Ecuador intelligence chief among 7 killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Ecuador's intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and his wife were among seven people killed when a tourist helicopter crashed in central Kenya on Wednesday. The aircraft, which had departed from the Loisaba wildlife reserve, went down in Samburu county, north of the capital Nairobi, at 9:13 a.m. local time.

Officials confirmed that all seven individuals on board, including the pilot and six passengers, perished in the accident. Images shared by the Kenya Red Cross showed the crash site engulfed in flames. Fredrick Kabunge, director of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, confirmed the fatalities but did not immediately release the identities or nationalities of all those deceased.

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Today Michele and Stephany left us too soon. Thinking of their family, especially their children and parents.

However, Ecuador's Transport Minister Roberto Luque announced on X that Michele Sensi-Contugi, 42, and his wife Stephany were among the victims. Sensi-Contugi, a former businessman, was appointed head of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center in 2024 and was a close associate of President Daniel Noboa. The US State Department also confirmed that five American citizens died in the crash and stated that the US Embassy in Kenya is providing consular assistance to the families.

The helicopter was reportedly carrying tourists on a scenic flight. Black smoke billowed into the sky from the foot of Mount Ololokwe, a popular hiking destination and a sacred mountain for the Samburu people, where the crash occurred. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Response operations were hampered by difficult terrain and an active fire at the crash site.

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There were seven people on board the helicopter, one pilot and six passengers.