Viral Video Shows Pilot Slapping Man Sitting on Governor Lenku’s Chopper
A helicopter pilot flying Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to a political rally has drawn public debate after a video showed him angrily chasing away residents gathered around the aircraft.
The viral footage captures the pilot of helicopter 5Y-DSB alighting and slapping a young man who had perched on the landing skids. Startled by the confrontation, the crowd quickly scattered. Moments later, the pilot is seen confronting another man who was taking photos beside the chopper.
What triggered the altercation remains unclear, but the footage has sparked heated reactions online. Some Kenyans defended the pilot’s actions, citing safety concerns, while others criticized his behavior as unprofessional.
“Those guys have really gone too far, sitting on the stands of a helicopter. I can’t blame the pilot,” said Bishop Ikayo.
Another observer, Benda Tipayon, disagreed: “The pilot’s personal actions don’t align with his professional persona.”
Defending the pilot, Benson Sirnkilil wrote: “The pilot is right—those boys pia wamekosea, ndege si mchezo bwana (they were wrong, a helicopter is no joke).”
Kajiado County Communications Director Paul Tobiko confirmed the incident and backed the pilot’s response.
“Although I was not at the event, it seems clear that the pilot was urging people to keep a safe distance from the helicopter, and rightly so,” Tobiko stated.
He added that past incidents in Kenya have shown the dangers of reckless behavior around aircraft. “We have witnessed unfortunate cases where individuals attempted to cling onto a helicopter during takeoff, putting their lives and those of passengers at risk.”
This is not the first time Kenyans have risked their lives near helicopters. Earlier this year, a man in Migori County stunned guests at musician Prince Indah’s traditional wedding when he clung onto a departing helicopter carrying YouTuber Oga Obinna. Police later confirmed they were searching for him after the stunt endangered both himself and those on board.
The latest incident in Kajiado has reignited concerns about public safety around aircraft and the need for stricter measures at political rallies.
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Viral Video Shows Pilot Slapping Man Sitting on Governor Lenku’s Chopper