Ecuador’s intel chief, 5 Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Ecuador's intelligence chief, Michele Sensi-Contugi, and five American citizens perished when a tourist helicopter crashed in central Kenya on Wednesday, according to officials. The accident occurred in Samburu County, north of Nairobi, with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirming that all seven individuals on board were killed.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The aircraft had departed from the Loisaba wildlife reserve earlier that morning. Rescuers faced challenges due to the difficult terrain, leading to the suspension of operations until tomorrow. Samburu County police chief David Nkoroi stated that the investigation would take some time.

Ecuador's transport minister, Roberto Luque, confirmed that Sensi-Contugi, his wife, and an American citizen were among the victims. Sensi-Contugi, a former businessman, had been appointed as head of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center in 2024 and served as a close associate of President Daniel Noboa, who has positioned Ecuador as a key US partner in the fight against drug cartels.

A US state department spokesperson confirmed the loss of five American lives in the crash, though their identities were not disclosed.