President William Ruto has joined Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei in mourning the eight people, including two Ghanaian ministers, who passed away in a helicopter crash in Ashanti, Ghana.
Taking to social media on Thursday, August 7, the president sent his condolences to the Ghanaian President John Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana, promising that Kenya would stand with the West African nation in prayer.
"We extend our condolences to H.E. President John Mahama, the Government, the people of Ghana and the bereaved families following a tragic helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two ministers," Ruto stated.
Taking to social media on Thursday, PS Sing'oei eulogised the two as gallant servicemen of Ghana, which he termed a "great sister country".
The deceased include Ghana's Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
PS Sing'oei, on the other hand, was among the first Kenyan government officials to mourn the two ministers, describing them as gallant servicemen of Ghana.
"I am devastated by the loss of the precious lives of these great Ghanaian leaders and gallant servicemen of this great sister country. We mourn and pray with you," Sing'oei stated.
The PS was responding to a condolence message from the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to President John Dramani Mahama following the tragedy.
"We stand in solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss and offer our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow."
The tragedy adds to a barrage of African leaders who have suffered similar tragic deaths. In Kenya, the most jarring one was the 2024 death of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
The death, which brought Kenya to a standstill, happened on April 18, 2024, when a military helicopter crashed in Elgeyo Marakwet County with 11 aboard. Nine, including General Ogolla, died instantly.
“Today at 2.20pm our nation suffered a tragic air accident in the Sindar area, Keben location, in Elgeyo Marakwet county. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” President William Ruto announced after the crash.
Another notable crash happened in June 2012, leaving renowned politician and the then-Interior Minister George Saitoti dead. His deputy, Orwa Ojode, also passed in the crash alongside two pilots and two bodyguards.
Earlier in 2008, Kenya had lost Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Lorna Laboso in a helicopter crash near Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
