Nairobi News

A Bungoma man who earned himself the name ‘James Bond’ after he clung onto a moving helicopter is set to realise his dream of flying formally after a well-wisher purchased an air ticket for him.

The 41-year-old Saleh Wanjala in May shocked the world when he clung onto a helicopter as it flew for 700 metres.

Businessman Joseph Waswa, through his Lendrix Foundation, has offered to fly Mr Wanjala alongside his family in an entourage of 12 to Nairobi on Monday.

Mr Waswa said he would host Mr Wanjala at his Lavington home, where he will prepare lunch for him.
Those travelling with Mr Wanjala include his wife and mother.

Mr Waswa said he hopes this will fulfil Mr Wanjala’s ambition of flying in an aircraft as opposed to hanging onto a helicopter.

Mr Wanjala was captured on camera hanging onto a helicopter from the Bungoma Posta grounds during the funeral of businessman Jacob Juma in May.

The aircraft had taken the body of the businessman for public viewing at the grounds before his burial the following day.

The crowd at the grounds became unruly, prompting the pilot to move the helicopter with the body to the Bungoma Airstrip.

Mr Wanjala hung onto the helicopter up to the Bungoma Airstrip. He jumped off as the aircraft was about to land.

He is now expected to touch down in Nairobi at 10am on Monday and will be received by the businessman before proceeding to Lavington.

Mr Waswa has arranged a fleet of posh cars as the convoy that will pick up Mr Wanjala from the airport to his home.

“I am doing it to award his rare act, usually seen only in Hollywood movies. I hope this will fulfil his wish to fly on an aircraft,” he said.

Mr Waswa also paid the Sh30,000 cash bail granted to Mr Wanjala by a Bungoma court after he was charged with endangering his life and those of others by hanging onto a moving aircraft.