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ADDIS ABABA - Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat extended condolences over the death of senior Kenyan army commanders on Thursday night.

Ten senior commanders, including chief of the Kenya Defense Forces Francis Ogolla, were killed in a helicopter crash in northwestern Kenya on Thursday.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to the people and government of Kenya following a tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of military personnel, including the Chief of the Kenyan Defense Forces, General Francis Ogolla," the AU Commission chief said on X, formerly Twitter, late Thursday.

Kenyan President William Ruto, addressing a televised news conference in the capital of Nairobi, said that 10 military officers died in the crash, while two others survived and are now hospitalized.

"This is a moment of great sadness," Ruto said, as he announced that the East African nation will observe a three-day period of mourning beginning Friday to honor the life and distinguished military career of the fallen general, who lost his life not only while in office but also while on active military duty.

Witnesses said that the helicopter crashed two kilometers away and burst into flames moments after taking off from an area along the troubled Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border.