10 KDF Soldiers Killed as Military Helicopter Crashes in Ngong

At least 10 Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers died after a military helicopter crash-landed in Ngong, Kajiado County.

The 24-seater Kenya Air Force Mi 171E chopper was on a routine training mission when it crashed at the Ol Tepesi area on Thursday morning.

13 other military officers suffered injuries and were airlifted to the Defense Forces Memorial Hospital in Nairobi for treatment.

Confirming the incident, KDF spokesperson Zipporah Kioko said all soldiers on board the ill-fated aircraft were accounted for.

“The injured were airlifted and are at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital, Nairobi. Regrettably, following the crash, we suffered fatalities. The process of communicating with the families to relay the information and KDF condolences are underway,” Kioko said in a statement.

The helicopter departed the Moi Airbase at 8.10 am before it crashed about 20 minutes later, according to Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Francis Ogolla.

“This was a very unfortunate incident that happened today at 8.30 am. Our aircraft which was on a normal training mission involving several crew departed Moi airbase at 8.10 am. As it was coming to land, we got information that it crashed,” he told Citizen TV.

Investigations are underway to establish the cause of the crash.

“The aircraft was okay and therefore we have put up an investigative team to come on the ground and find out what might have been the cause,” Ogolla added.