KDF boss one of eight aboard crashed Elgeyo Marakwet aircraft

A Kenya Defence Forces helicopter has crashed and caught fire in Kaben, Elgeyo Marakwet.

Authorities say the aircraft had eight people on board.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that five occupants have died in the crash.

Hours after the crash, President William Ruto convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi on Thursday evening.

This is according to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

Present in the State House meeting chaired by President Ruto are Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Defence CS Aden Duale, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, NIS boss Noordin Hajji, Inspector General Japhet Koome, and cabinet adviser Monica Juma and Attorney General Justin Muturi.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga is also set to address the country after state communication on the Thursday afternoon incident, his aide Dennis Onyango says

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has also urged the country to stay calm, pending official communication from top State and military officials.

Reports indicate that Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Francis Ogolla was among those on board. 

The Standard understands that a multi-agency team has been sent to the scene of the crash to conduct an assessment.

The military is leading the said exercise.

The area where the chopper crashed has been synonymous with banditry attacks in North Rift.

More to follow…