Update on Thursday, April 18 at 4:46 pm: Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has cautioned Kenyans from speculating on the KDF chopper crash that occurred on Thursday afternoon.
"Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft crash shall be issued soon. Let’s avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture," his statement read in part.
Five people have been confirmed dead while three others have been left injured after a chopper crashed and caught fire in the Cheptulel area in West Pokot.
According to reports, the helicopter was taking off from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School. The information further reveals that the helicopter was ferrying several Kenya Defence Forces officials.
The team had left a meeting that had been convened to discuss the security situation in the West Pokot region where several top leaders were present.
Unconfirmed reports claim that the Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla was onboard the aircraft.
From the images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the chopper that crashed in the Sintar area has been engulfed in a fire that seems to be around the engine area.
Residents have since been barred from accessing the crash site, as KDF and other relevant officials continue to investigate the scene.
This aforementioned meeting was in line with President William Ruto's insistence on finding a long-term and functional solution to the banditry situation that has plagued the tense region.
Witnesses on the ground claim that survivors of the horrific accident are currently being airlifted to Nairobi for treatment.
It is also alleged that Senior military officials are currently at State House, Nairobi to officially deliver a statement on the news that is still developing.
People have been warned against spreading fake news surrounding the incident, in consideration of the magnitude of the officials presumed to be of high ranking within the KDF.
