Ecuador's Intelligence Director and wife die in Kenya air accident

Michele Sensi-Contugi, the Director General of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center (CNI), and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, tragically died in a helicopter accident in Kenya. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Samburu county, near Mount Ololokwe, according to Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority.

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter was en route between Loisaba and Ewasonyiro when the crash took place at 09:13 local time. Preliminary reports from African aviation authorities confirm that all seven individuals on board, including the pilot, perished in the impact. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Ecuador's Presidency confirmed the deaths and extended "most heartfelt condolences" to the families of Sensi-Contugi and Hollihan. Various government bodies in Quito, including the Public Defender's Office and the General Comptroller's Office, have also expressed solidarity with the victims' families. Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Roberto Luque and former National Assembly President Niels Olsen conveyed their sorrow over the couple's passing.

Sensi-Contugi, 44, was considered a close confidant of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. Prior to heading the CNI since January 2024, he served as the Minister of Government from April to August of the same year. His career also included experience in the private sector, focusing on the plastic, rubber, and biotechnology industries.