"3-day mourning": Ecuador begins repatriation of govt official who died in Kenya
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa ordered three days of national mourning following the death of intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi in Kenya
- Sensi-Contugi and his wife Stephany Hollihan perished in an air accident in Kenya on August 19, 2026
- Ecuador's Foreign Ministry activated diplomatic procedures through its South Africa embassy to begin the repatriation process
Ecuador has declared three days of national mourning after Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director General of the National Intelligence Centre, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan, died in an air accident in Kenya on Wednesday, August 19.
President Daniel Noboa announced the mourning period via Executive Decree 476, issued while he was on an official tour in Asia.
The period runs from Thursday, August 20 to Saturday, August 22, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast on all public buildings, both civilian and military, across Ecuador.
Noboa Orders State Funeral
Noboa described the loss as deeply painful in an official statement from the presidency.
"The Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Michele Sensi-Contugi, Director General of the National Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany Hollihan. In this moment of deep pain, the National Government extends its most heartfelt condolences to their family, loved ones, and those close to them, whom it accompanies with respect, solidarity, and affection," the president's offfice said.
He also directed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and the Interior to coordinate with Sensi-Contugi's family on the organisation of a state funeral.
Ecuador's Public Ceremonial Regulations prescribe a special ceremony for holders of state functions who die in office.
Sensi-Contugi dedicated much of his career to public service, holding senior positions within Ecuador's national government before taking up the role of intelligence chief. The Foreign Ministry described his death as a deeply felt loss for the country.
Repatriation Efforts Under Way
In the meanwhile, Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility confirmed it had immediately activated diplomatic procedures following news of the accident.
Because Ecuador does not maintain a resident diplomatic mission in Kenya, the coordination is being handled through the Embassy of Ecuador in South Africa, working in conjunction with local Kenyan authorities and diplomatic representatives of friendly countries.
"In response to this unfortunate event, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry immediately activated the relevant procedures through the Embassy of Ecuador in South Africa and in coordination with local authorities and diplomatic representatives of friendly countries, given that Ecuador does not maintain a resident diplomatic mission in Kenya," the ministry's official statement detailed.
The Foreign Ministry said it would maintain ongoing follow-up on the diplomatic efforts required to facilitate the repatriation of the remains, and would continue coordinating with the Ministries of National Defence and the Interior throughout the process.
The ministry issued its statement from Quito on August 19, the same day the accident occurred, underscoring the urgency with which the government moved to respond to the tragedy.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.