Ecuador intelligence chief, wife among seven killed in Samburu helicopter crash
Ecuadorian media also reported the deaths, while Ecuador’s Transport Minister Roberto Luque expressed condolences to the families.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Ecuador's intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, were among seven fatalities when a helicopter crashed in Samburu County on Wednesday. Sensi-Contugi, Director General of Ecuador's Center for Strategic Intelligence (CIES), perished when the Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Kenya Ltd, crashed near Mt Ololokwe at around 9:13 am.
Ecuadorian media reported the incident alongside the Transport Minister Roberto Luque who conveyed condolences to the families, describing their loss as "hard to find the words" and expressing deep sorrow for their children and parents. Luque also pledged support during this "moment of such deep pain." The rugged terrain and an ongoing fire at the crash site complicated recovery efforts, with the Kenya Red Cross Society stating that access to the wreckage was challenging.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) reported that the aircraft, carrying seven people, crashed while en route from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro. The Air Accident Investigation Department, led by the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is responsible for determining the cause of the crash. Sensi-Contugi, born in Italy in 1982, held Italian and Ecuadorian citizenship and served as CIES director general since January 2024.
His appointment coincided with Ecuador's focus on security challenges. Stephany Hollihan Vasconez, identified as his wife by Ecuadorian media, was also on board the helicopter.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
