Helicopter heading to Uhuru's rally crashes in Lake Nakuru

A helicopter heading to a campaign rally to be addressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta has crashed in Lake Nakuru shortly after take off from a hotel in the town.

Nakuru OCPD Joshua Omukata confirmed the incident saying they were waiting for a boat to conduct the rescue as the chopper crashed inside the lake.

Reports indicate that there were five people on board.

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika said three of those on board (names withheld) were members of her communication team.

The aircraft had left Jarika County Lodge and sources say it was flying low before it crashed.

The chopper was to later ferry more journalists to a campaign rally.

Rescue efforts were yet to start four hours after the helicopter sunk in the lake as there is no boat nearby. The rescuers had to wait for a boat to be transported from Lake Naivasha.

National Disaster Management Unit Communications Director Pius Masai said a police helicopter has been deployed to assist in the rescue.

We have activated the Kenya Defence Forces Disaster Response Unit) through National Operation Centre to bring divers from the Kenya Navy,” he said.

Nakuru leaders led by Governor Lee Kinyanjui were also at the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Other leaders present were MPs Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha) and Liz Chelule (Woman Rep).

Also present is the Nakuru County Assembly Speaker John Kairu.

Mr Gikaria said the team in the helicopter was heading to a campaign rally to be addressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Tipis, Mau Narok.