Saleh Wanjala hangs from a helicopter as it took off at Bungoma’s Posta ground on May 13, 2016. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Bungoma man who gained national fame for hanging on a flying chopper has died.
Mr Saleh Wanjala, 45, on Monday passed away while undergoing treatment at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, according to his family.
A family member, who confirmed his death, said Wanjala passed on shortly after he was admitted to the medical facility.
“He was found unconscious in his house and then taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead,” the family member said.
His body was taken to Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary.
The late Wanjala made a name for himself in May 2016 by hanging on a chopper that was ferrying the body of slain businessman, Jacob Juma, as it flew away from Bungoma’s Posta grounds.
Mr Wanjala hung onto the helicopter up to the Bungoma Airstrip before jumping off as it was about to land.
For his dare-devil stunt, Kenyans online likened him to famous British film actor, ‘James Bond’.
He was arrested after the incident and charged for endangering his life but later released.
A few weeks later, a local businessman Joseph Waswa, through his Lendrix Foundation, offered to fly Mr Wanjala alongside his family in an entourage of 12 to Nairobi.
Mr Waswa said he would host Mr Wanjala at his Lavington home, where he would host him for lunch. Those travelling with Mr Wanjala include his wife and mother.
Mr Waswa said he hoped the trip will fulfil Mr Wanjala’s ambition of flying in an aircraft as opposed to hanging onto a helicopter.
A video game was later created and named the Bungoma Hangman.
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