‘James Bond Wanjala’ charged in court for hanging on helicopter

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)

The Bungoma man Saleh Wanjala alias Sambaka who dangerously hanged on a helicopter last Friday has been arraigned in Bungoma law court.

Wanjala appeared before Principal magistrate Stephen Mogute.

He was charged with endangering his life and that of the pilot by hanging precariously on the helicopter.

Wanjala denied the charges and was given a free bond but the police were given more time to amend the charge sheet to determine the bond term he should be given. The case will be heard on Friday this week.

Wanjala who broke his backbone and the right hand during the incident was wheeled to the court compound with the assistance of police officers and his close relatives.

The magistrate asked the police to take the accused person back to Bungoma County Referral Hospital to continue with his medication.

The accused shocked the World last Friday when he hanged on the helicopter that had ferried the body of the slain city tycoon Jacob Juma to Posta ground in Bungoma.

Meanwhile, Wanjala now commonly referred to as the "Bungoma James Bond" will get a free ride once he is discharged from his hospital bed.

A Sirisia politician Moses Nandalwe has promised to fully pay for him a helicopter ride to any destination in the country.