Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has assured Ecuador that Kenya will see through the preliminary investigation into the helicopter crash that killed the country’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife and five other people in Samburu County.
Sing’Oei gave the assurance during a phone call with Ecuador’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alejandro Davalos, as Kenya stepped up efforts to support the recovery and repatriation of the victims’ remains.
Sensi-Contugi, Director of Ecuador’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI), and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, were among seven people killed when a tourist safari helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe at about 9:13 am on August 19.
In his conversation with Davalos, Sing’Oei conveyed Kenya’s solidarity and deepest condolences to Ecuador and the families of the intelligence chief and his wife.
“I spoke by phone with Alejandro Davalos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and conveyed Kenya's solidarity and deepest condolences to the family of the late Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Centre (CNI) and his wife, Stephany Hollihan,” Sing’Oei said.
The PS said Kenyan authorities were working around the clock to establish the circumstances that led to the crash while supporting efforts to retrieve the victims’ remains.
“I reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working round the clock to conclude preliminary investigations into the circumstances of the accident,” he said.
Sing’Oei said the government would also provide the necessary support for the retrieval and repatriation of the remains to ensure the victims receive a dignified send-off.
He said Kenya stood with Ecuador during the period of mourning and offered comfort to those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
“May the memory of Michele and Stephany continue to be a source of solace for all who knew and loved them," Sing'oei added.
The helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe, a popular tourist destination known for its distinctive landscape, during a locally chartered excursion.
The Air Accident Investigations Department (AAID) is leading the investigation into the crash, with aviation experts from France and the United States taking part.
AAID said investigators were facing difficulties recovering evidence from the rugged crash site after the helicopter was extensively damaged by fire.
The department said all recoverable debris would be collected and transported to Nairobi under its custody for further examination.
“The investigation is nevertheless progressing, and the preliminary report will be released within 30 days, with the final report expected to be released within 12 months,” AAID said.
The investigation covers examination of the accident site and wreckage, recovery and preservation of evidence, assessment of aircraft systems and components and a review of operational and maintenance records.
Investigators will also analyse flight-path information and other available data, coordinate specialist examinations and testing, and establish the factors that caused or contributed to the crash.
AAID said all relevant states and parties had been notified and were participating according to their roles under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13.
France’s Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA), as the state of design and manufacture of the aircraft and engine, has appointed an accredited representative supported by technical advisers to participate in the probe.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also appointed an expert from its Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance because American citizens were among those killed.
AAID said the investigation was being conducted to help prevent future accidents and incidents and was not intended to assign blame or liability.
“The investigation is conducted solely for the prevention of future accidents and incidents and not for the apportionment of blame or liability,” AAID said.
The remains of the seven victims are currently at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, where postmortem examinations were conducted and samples collected.
Sensi-Contugi, 44, was an Italian citizen who also held Ecuadorian nationality and headed Ecuador’s national intelligence agency.
Authorities have not yet established what caused the helicopter to crash as investigators continue examining the wreckage, flight information and other available evidence.