Kenya Interior Minister George Saitoti, Assistant and 4 others killed in helicopter crash

Kenyan Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has been killed in a helicopter crash that happened early Sunday.

Mr Saitoti and his deputy, Orwa Ojode, were among six people who died when the aircraft went down in Ngong Hills just west of Nairobi. Pilots of ill-fated helicopter identified as Nancy Gituanja and Luke Oyugi; Bodyguards were Inspector Tongei and Thomas Murimi. They were heading for a church service.

Kenyan MP Najib Balala confirmed the death in a Twitter message, quoting the office of President Mwai Kibaki while Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka immediately visited the scene of the crash. Deputy PM Mudavadi also have sent condolences to the families of the victims. There is no word on the cause of the crash.

Recall that Mr Saitoti had been planning to run for the presidency later this year.