‘Migori James Bond’ Slapped with Harsh Prison Sentence After Clinging to Helicopter

Photo collage of Stephen Odhiambo

A man who clung dangerously to a helicopter during a wedding ceremony in Migori County, has been sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment.

Stephen Odhiambo, who became widely known as the 'Migori James Bond' following the viral circulation of the incident, was charged with engaging in a disorderly act that endangered the safety of the helicopter’s occupants, including popular YouTuber Oga Obinna. 

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Mathias Okuche, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was consequently sentenced to 18 months in prison or given the option of paying a fine of Ksh500,000.

The sentence followed a seven-day detention period, during which authorities conducted investigations into the matter. 

Among the witnesses who testified were two police officers who detailed the serious risks posed by Odhiambo’s actions.

During the proceedings, Odhiambo expressed remorse and requested the court’s leniency. 

However, the magistrate emphasized the grave nature of the offense and the potential danger it posed to human life, noting that such behavior could not be excused.

Stephen Odhiambo hanging on Oga Obinna's chopper

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 13, following the conclusion of a wedding ceremony for renowned Ohangla musician Prince Indah in Rapogi village. 

As guests prepared to depart, Odhiambo defied security protocols, which had instructed all individuals to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from the helicopter. After being denied access to board the aircraft, he resorted to hanging onto it as it ascended.

According to Uriri OCPD Enrico Lyomu, Odhiambo was apprehended nearly two weeks later after he attempted to return home clandestinely during the night. 

Officers reported that he resisted arrest but was eventually restrained and escorted to the police station for processing.

The helicopter pilot, during preliminary investigations, stated that Odhiambo’s actions significantly endangered the lives of the five passengers aboard, as well as his own.

Following the incident, Odhiambo was seen boasting to local residents, claiming he would have held onto the aircraft all the way to Nairobi had he not been forced to let go.