At least five people are reported to have been killed after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter on Thursday afternoon, crashed and caught fire in the Sindar area of Western Kenya, on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
It is believed that Kenya’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Francis Ogolla was also on board the ill-fated helicopter.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident.
According to Mulinge, the ill-fated aircraft was among three choppers which were leaving Cheptulel area. They were thought to have come to carry out a surveillance mission ahead of a planned deployment of troops to tackle bandits and cattle rustlers in the vast arid region.
It was the first to take off before crash-landing minutes later. Witnesses say it burst into flames on impact.
Kenya has recorded a number of helicopter crashes in recent years. In one incident, 17 soldiers on a training exercise were killed after their chopper came down just outside Nairobi.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said on social media that a statement would be issued soon.