Editor's Review

Atwoli dismissed claims that he was supposed to be aboard the ill-fated chopper.

Francis Atwoli, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions- Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary-General, addressed reports circulating online linking him to the helicopter crash at Mt. Ololokwe in Samburu County that left seven people dead.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20,  Atwoli dismissed claims that he was supposed to be aboard the ill-fated chopper or knew the occupants who perished in the Wednesday morning accident.

He termed the reports inaccurate and said they were meant to cause panic among members of the public.

"Please disregard all these lazy and fake stories from these social media addicts, idle doomscrollers and master spreaders of misinformation and fake news," the veteran trade unionist stated.

A file photo of COTU-K Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

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The fatal accident was confirmed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which added that all seven people on board the helicopter were killed when the aircraft went down in a remote area of Samburu County.

"KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department, is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident," read the statement in part.

According to the aviation authority, the accident occurred a few minutes after 9 am. The aircraft was en route from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when the accident happened.

Following the incident, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano condoled with the families of the deceased tourists. She added that multiagency teams were on the ground conducting search-and-recovery operations.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the helicopter accident in Samburu County, where passengers were reportedly participating in tourist activities. 

​"Our thoughts and prayers are with the occupants, their families, and all those affected during this difficult time. We offer our most sincere condolences and support to everyone impacted by this tragic incident," she stated.

The incident raised concerns about the safety of aircraft used in the country after several Kenyans lost their lives in aeroplane crashes.