President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi following a Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) helicopter crash.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed indicated that the defense council is discussing the next steps following the Elgeyo-Marakwet County crash.
“President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County,” stated Hussein.
The Defence Council is the highest decision-making body of the Kenya Defence Force and is chaired by the Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
It is responsible for the overall policy, control, and supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces as well as performing any other prescribed functions.
Other members include the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the three commanders of the defence forces and the Principal Secretary in the Ministry responsible for defence.
Also Read: Top KDF Chiefs Feared Dead in Chopper Crash
The KDF Chopper Crash
The Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter took off from a local primary school in Elgeyo Marakwet County when it crashed and burst into flames.
According to a police report by Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge, the chopper was ferrying high ranking KDF officers including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla.
The cause of the accident had not yet been established by the time of publishing this article.
Following the reports, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa during a live parliament session urged the public to avoid any speculations.
Reactions After the Accident
In addition, Ichung’wa explained that a number of people had lost their lives and there are few who have survived, urging the public to leave the matter to the Defense Forces and the military.
Also Read: CDF Ogolla: Pilot Who Defied Odds to Occupy Top Military Post
“All that I can confirm is that it’s indeed true that there has been a crash of KDF helicopter which we have seen in the news. Being responsible leaders also, we do not want to speculate as to the cause of the crash, we are all awaiting news,” he said.
The majority leader’s remarks came as a response to MP Millie Odhiambo, who questioned why the house was ignoring the reports instead of addressing them.
“I think it would be appropriate as a House not to proceed with the Land Commission Bill when we are having such a serious issue of national interest. Can he confirm whether the issue of the crash is true, or it is merely a rumor?” she said.
Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Ogolla took command of the military in early May 2023 when former General Robert Kibochi retired after 44 years of military service.
