Ecuador intelligence chief, wife die in Kenya plane crash

Michele Sensi-Contugi, the Director General of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, died in a plane crash in Kenya on Wednesday. The Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed at 09:13 local time in Samburu county, near Mount Ololokwe, while en route between Loisaba and Ewasonyiro. Seven people, including the pilot, perished in the incident.

The Ecuadorian government has not issued an official statement, but various state institutions offered their condolences. The Public Defender's Office expressed "deep sorrow" for the couple's deaths, while the Comptroller's Office extended "most heartfelt condolences and solidarity to their families." The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Roberto Luque, and former National Assembly President Niels Olsen also lamented the loss.

Sensi-Contugi, 44, was a close associate of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and had led the CNI since January 2024. He previously served briefly in the Ministry of Government. Before entering public service, he had a career in the business sector, working with companies in plastics, rubber, and biotechnology. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.