Drama in Bungoma as man hangs on flying helicopter

A youth Saleh Wanjala hangs on the chopper that had ferried the body of the fallen billionaire Jacob Juma at Posta ground in Bungoma town. He was injured when dropped at Bungoma air strip, two kilometres away and is recuperating at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. (PHOTO: TITUS OTEBA/STANDARD

There was drama in Bungoma town yesterday as a man identified as Saleh Wanjala alias Sambaka did the unthinkable by hanging on a chopper as it took off.

Mr Wanjala was part of the crowd that had gathered to view the body of slain businessman Jacob Juma.

The body had been flown to Posta Ground in Bungoma for public viewing before ferrying it in a hearse to his Mungore village home in Bumula constituency.

But the event was disrupted when the bizarre incident took place.

Locals wailed in fear as the 28-year-old man dangerously held on to the chopper. The pilot, who was leaving Posta Ground for Eldoret had not noticed the unwelcome passenger but the public’s noise attracted his attention.

He had to navigate through some power lines to save the hanging passenger.

The pilot was then forced to take his unwanted passenger to Bungoma airstrip, where he descended and hovered a few metres over the runway, allowing the man to drop from the chopper.

The youth sustained serious injuries on his forehead and legs.

Bungoma County Commissioner Mohamed Maalim said the culprit had been admitted to Bungoma County Referral Hospital.

“He is under police watch. He will be charged in court once he recuperates for endangering his life and that of the pilot,” said Mr Maalim.

Locals castigated the man for endangering his life. Siboe Siboe said: “He was showing us a unique style of mourning the fallen hero, but he went far by displaying his stupidity. That was dangerous.”

Pamela Mutoro said the youth was a poor fellow who might have been trying to display his anger.