President William Ruto has called an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening in response to a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash earlier today in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

The National Defence Council is currently in an emergency session to discuss the next steps following the crash of a Kenya Defence Forces helicopter in Kaben, Marakwet East.

The council is in the process of deliberating and will soon release a statement detailing the identities of those onboard, any casualties, and the subsequent actions to be taken.

The helicopter incident occurred late Thursday afternoon, with online images depicting the aircraft engulfed in flames.

A source confirmed that the National Security Council is currently in deliberation and will soon issue a statement outlining details regarding the helicopter incident. This statement is expected to include information on the occupants of the helicopter, any casualties, and the subsequent course of action.

Established under Article 240 of the Constitution, the National Security Council comprises key figures such as the President, Deputy President, relevant Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney-General, the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, and the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

The President holds the role of presiding over council meetings.

With its mandate defined by national legislation, the National Security Council exercises supervisory control over national security organs and undertakes additional functions as prescribed.

Initial reports suggest that the military helicopter was transporting Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla.

Reports state that the helicopter, carrying five people, was one of three aircraft departing from the Cheptulel area. It was the first to take off and crashed just minutes later.