Ruto, Duale mourn KDF soldiers killed in Lamu helicopter crash

 

President William Ruto has sent a message of condolence to the families and friends of the Kenya Defence Forces officers who died in the Lamu helicopter crash.

In a statement, President Ruto said the country honors their bravery in defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty. He condoled with the entire force and all those that have been affected by the tragedy.

“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 tragedy” he said.

KDF has since constituted a Board of Inquiry to probe the fatal crash. The Department of Defence said in a statement that the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter crashed while on night patrol in Lamu, which has in the recent past witnessed an upsurge in terrorist attacks.

It said the crew and other military personnel onboard were part of an air surveillance squadron intensifying day and night patrols and surveillance for the ongoing Operation Amani Boni.

While the department did not disclose the exact number of casualties, it expressed its condolences to the families of the military personnel who lost their lives in the crash.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale regretted that the unfortunate fatality has caused unprecedented losses over the gains made in the ongoing military operation.

“To the fallen heroes, today our national flag flies with the last breath of each of you. Soldier on, Patriots!” he said on X.   BY KBC NEWS