A routine Thursday afternoon was shattered in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, when a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter fell from the sky, carving a path of destruction and leaving a community in shock. The crash, which occurred around 3:10 PM, has resulted in an unknown number of fatalities.
For residents in the Githurai area, the first sign of trouble was a deafening sound that ripped through the air. βWe heard a huge bang and rushed to the scene,β one local recounted. Their haste led them to a scene of horror: βThe chopper was already on fire and several bodies could be seen.β
The immediate aftermath saw a swift convergence of flashing lights and determined responders. Firefighters battled the blaze while Kenya Red Cross and KDF personnel established a cordon, securing the area against the curious and the grieving. Within this perimeter, a grim search for survivors and answers began.
While the KDF has yet to issue an official statement, sources have indicated the aircraft was on a training flight when the fatal incident occurred. An investigation is expected to be launched by the Ministry of Defence to uncover the cause, whether it be a catastrophic technical failure or an unforeseen complication.
This tragedy is a somber echo of past events. In June 2021, another KDF helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Kajiado County, an incident that also resulted in the loss of military lives. The Mwihoko crash now reopens a painful national conversation about the safety and maintenance of Kenya’s military aircraft.
As emergency crews continue their difficult work, authorities have urged the public to remain clear of the crash site, allowing investigators the space needed to piece together the final moments of the flight. For now, a plume of smoke and a field of questions are all that remain.
Featured image via Screengrab