Meru farmer threatens to sue Google over internet balloon crash

A farmer in Kalamene village in Igembe central sub county has threatened to sue Google for losses incurred after its Project Loon’s internet balloon landed on his farm destroying crops.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Joseph Kobia Nguthari said that after the incident, locals who thronged his farm out of curiosity to see the ‘satellite’ looted and damaged his property.

The incident caused scare among residents, prompting hundreds to travel to the Nthambiri farm to see the balloon.

Kalamene village resident narrated how following the incident, they were fearful with a section of them claiming that it was the end of the world as others feared of an alien invasion.

The high-altitude balloon is part of Google’s Project Loon aimed at beaming high-speed internet in Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Garissa and Meru counties.

The balloon has a self shelf life and its controlled to descend in a safe place where there is no settlement or human interference but sometimes because of the wind its pushed away from the intended area.

Project Loon has a network of balloons traveling on the edge of space that are designed to extend Internet connectivity to people in rural and remote areas worldwide.