The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Friday extended condolences over the deaths of senior Kenyan army commanders.

Ten senior commanders, including chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, were killed in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest on Thursday.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the people and government of Kenya following a tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of military personnel, including the Chief of the Kenyan Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla,” the AU Commission chief said on X, formerly Twitter, late Thursday.

Kenyan President William Ruto, addressing a televised news conference in the capital of Nairobi, said 10 military officers died in the crash, while two others survived and are now hospitalised.

“This is a moment of great sadness,” Mr Ruto said as he announced that the East African nation will observe a three-day period of mourning beginning on Friday.

This is to honour the life and distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not only while in office but also while on active military duty.

Witnesses said the helicopter crashed two kilometres away and burst into flames moments after taking off from an area along the troubled Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border.

(Xinhua/NAN)