President William Ruto has paid tribute to Kenya Defence Force (KDF) personnel who lost their lives following a helicopter crash in Lamu on Monday night.

In a statement, Ruto lauded KDF personnel who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice while defending Kenya’s sovereignty while condoling with the victims’ families.

“Our condolences to the families and friends on the heartbreaking loss of our heroes in the Lamu helicopter crash. We honour their bravery in defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty. Our prayers are with the Kenya Defence Forces and all those that have been affected by the tragedy,” he said.

The tribute comes hours after KDF constituted a Board of Inquiry to probe the fatal crash of surveillance helicopter.

In a statement, DoD said that the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter crashed while on night patrol in the coastal town that has witnessed an upsurge in terrorist attacks in recent weeks.

While the DoD did not disclose the exact number of casualties, the department expressed its condolences to the families of the military personnel who lost their lives in the crash.

“The crew and other military personnel onboard were part of an air surveillance squadron intensifying day and night patrols and surveillance for the on-going Operation Amani Boni,” KDF said.