Man Who Hung on CS Peter Munya's Helicopter in Meru Arrested

A man who hung onto a helicopter ferrying Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya in Meru County on Wednesday has been arrested.

The suspect hung precariously on the landing skid as the chopper took off from Kiegoi market in Igembe South where Munya addressed a public rally alongside East Africa Legislative Assembly (Eala) MP Mpuru Aburi.

"The culprit in this incident is in police custody and the Authority is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure due course of the law as espoused in the Civil Aviation Act and Regulations," the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said in a statement on Thursday.

KCAA also warned that any persons found past given proximities during a chopper's take-off will face the law.

"The Authority categorically emphasizes that hanging on to choppers poses an unnecessary danger to persons and property. Members of the public seen to approach the aircraft landing and take-off sites will be held culpable," the agency added.

KCAA says it will continue to work with key stakeholders and aviation operators to ensure compliance with the set out standards of operations to secure the safety and security of the public and property.

The agency has directed all helicopter operators to ascertain the status of their aircrafts’ security on the ground beforehand and if possible, enlist the services of the police.

It reiterated that it is the operators’ responsibility to ensure that they adhere to the recommended landing and take-off guidelines.