Ruto mourns KDF soldiers killed in Lamu helicopter crash
President William Ruto has sent a message of condolence to families of Kenyans who lost their loved ones in a fatal crash involving a Kenya Airforce helicopter in Lamu on Monday, September 18.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Head of State, termed the incident as heartbreaking, adding that Kenya honours the fallen soldiers for their bravery in protecting the country's sovereignty.
"Our condolences to the families and friends on the heartbreaking loss of our heroes in the Lamu helicopter crash.
"We honour their bravery in defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty. Our prayers are with the Kenya Defence Forces and all those who have been affected by the tragedy," President Ruto said.
Our condolences to the families and friends on the heartbreaking loss of our heroes in the Lamu helicopter crash. We honour their bravery in defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty. Our prayers are with the Kenya Defence Forces and all those that have been affected by the…
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 19, 2023
The Kenya Air Force Huey chopper crashed while on a night patrol in the coastal county for the ongoing Operation Amani Boni.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) confirmed that there were fatalities but didn't disclose the number of the victims.
"The crew and other military personnel onboard were part of an air surveillance squadron intensifying day and night patrols and surveillance of ongoing Operation Amani Boni. The leadership and entire KDF fraternity condole with the families of the crew," KDF said.
Investigations into the accident are ongoing.
"A Board of Inquiry has been constituted and dispatched to the scene to establish the cause of the incident," KDF added.
Boni forest has been under special operation aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab militants since 2015.
