At least five high-ranking Kenya Defence Force (KDF) officers including the Chief of Kenya Defence Force Francis Ogolla were feared dead in a tragic chopper crash in Kerio Valley, The Standard reports.

Residents said the KDF chopper crashed and went up in flames moments after taking off from the Chesegon area, on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

It came down at Sindar in Kaben location near Liter Girls Secondary School, according to an eye witness, Evans Kipkosgei.

Kipkosgei said the KDF chopper, which was reportedly carrying top military commanders crashed some minutes to 2 pm on Thursday, April 18.

"It crashed barely two kilometers after takeoff. We rushed to the scene and we found the chopper up in flames," Kipkosgei told The Standard.

He added: "The scene was immediately cordoned off by KDF officers who are stationed in Kerio Valley. Some burnt bodies were removed from the wreckage.”