Premium

Kenyan man clings to helicopter at wedding, forcing emergency landing; says mid-air stunt was ‘exhilarating’

The man had reportedly approached the helicopter’s passengers asking for money and a lift. When denied, he made the dangerous move of grabbing onto the chopper as it took off.

The man had reportedly approached the helicopter’s passengers asking for money and a lift

A jaw-dropping video from Kenya is making waves on social media, showing a man clinging onto a helicopter as it lifts off from a wedding ceremony. In the stunning footage, the man can be seen dangling mid-air, desperately holding on as the chopper climbs high above Rapogi village.

Identified as Stephen Odhiambo Ouma, 28, the man had reportedly approached the helicopter’s passengers asking for money and a lift. When denied, he made the dangerous move of grabbing onto the aircraft as it took off. According to the Daily Mail, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a nearby field after realising that a person was hanging from the chopper.

Watch the video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travel by Travly ™ (@travel)

Speaking to local media, Ouma admitted he felt drained while in the air, but said he was grateful to be brought down safely. That said, he remained unfazed by the danger, calling the ride “exhilarating” and stating that he believed he could have completed the full 65-minute flight to Nairobi. “I usually rely on donkeys for transport,” he added, calling the flight a “historic moment” for him.

Story continues below this ad

Also Read | Man calmly sips tea in middle of busy Bengaluru road; police share viral video after arrest

The Internet reacted to the clip with a mix of shock, humour, and disbelief. One viewer commented, “This is how determined I need to be with my goals,” while another quipped, “Tom cruiser.”

Local police, however, are taking the matter seriously. Police Commander Enrico Lyomu confirmed Ouma had tried to flee after the incident and was “very violent” during the arrest.

The police stated that Ouma is likely to face charges for putting his own life and the lives of those on the helicopter at serious risk. Lyomu also issued a strong warning, urging the public to steer clear of such dangerous behaviour—especially now that helicopters are increasingly being used for events.

Leopard’s growl and a lie: How a blood-stained rock and a forensic report exposed a murder

Cities30 min ago

In December 2024, a woman was found dead in a sugarcane field in Maharashtra, sparking public outrage over the human-wildlife conflict. The initial statement of a leopard attack was later revealed to be a planned murder by the victim's husband's nephew and a laborer. They were arrested and a charge sheet was filed against them.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS