Ecuadorian intelligence chief killed in Kenya helicopter crash

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has issued a tribute to Michele Sensi-Contugi, the Director General of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center (CIES), following a fatal helicopter crash in Kenya. Sensi-Contugi and his wife, fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, were among seven people killed when the aircraft went down near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning.

The helicopter was reportedly traveling from the Loisaba Conservancy toward the Ewaso Nyiro area when the accident occurred, according to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The victims included six tourists and a Kenyan pilot.

President Noboa described the couple as close friends and family, noting that Sensi-Contugi had been a loyal and steadfast advisor during difficult periods of his presidency. Noboa expressed his support for the couple's children following the tragedy.