Helicopter Headed to Jubilee Campaign Crashes in Lake Nakuru, Rescue Mission Underway

A helicopter has on Saturday morning crashed in Lake Nakuru moments after taking off from Jarika County Lodge in Nakuru.

Confirming the incident, Nakuru OCPD Joshua Omukata said rescue operations are underway at the location.

Omukata said that the chopper was headed to Narok County for Jubilee campaigns, where President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to address a rally on Saturday. "It left the hotel at 7am to Narok but crashed in the Lake," Nakuru OCPD Joshua Omukatta said. The OCPD said that debris of the chopper could be seen floating in the lake and the lake has been sealed off for rescue operations.

Nakuru County Senator Susan Kihika said that three of the five people believed to be in the chopper (names withheld) were members of her communication team.

Sources said that helicopter was to transport more journalists to the campaign's rally later.

In a statement, Kenya Civil Aviation confirmed the accident and dismissed claims the chopper belongs to President Uhuru Kenyatta. "Kenya civil Aviation wishes to confirm that there was a helicopter accident this morning at lake Nakuru, initial indications are that there are no survivors. There were five on board-a female pilot, including three male passengers and one more female passenger," the statement read in part. "We wish to clarify the helicopter is owned and operated by Flex Air Charters contrary to media reports that it belongs to H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta."