Kenya to facilitate repatriation of Ecuadorian intelligence director after fatal crash

The Kenyan government has committed to accelerating investigations and facilitating the repatriation of the bodies of Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, following a fatal helicopter crash. Sensi-Contugi, the Director of Ecuador's National Intelligence Center (CNI), and Hollihan died on August 19 in a reserve located in Samburu County, near Mount Ololokwe.

Kenyan Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, and Ecuadorian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alejandro Dávalos, coordinated via telephone to establish a direct commitment to expedite the process. Kenyan authorities expressed full willingness to collaborate with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the victims receive a dignified farewell.

The accident involved a helicopter used for tourism and resulted in the deaths of seven people in total. Because Ecuador does not maintain a diplomatic mission in Kenya, repatriation efforts are being managed with support from the Ecuadorian embassy in South Africa, alongside local authorities and representatives from friendly nations. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy.