Man who hung on CS Munya’s chopper committed to Mathari hospital for six months

The man who shocked residents of Igembe South, Meru County, by hanging onto Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya’s chopper as it took off was on Tuesday arraigned in court.

Joachim Murithi was presented before the Maua Law Courts, which heard that a mental assessment report carried by a medical officer at Nyambene level four hospital revealed that he was not of sound mind.

Resident Magistrate Chesoni Khanali committed the suspect to six months custody at the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for medication.

During the period, a further review of his case will be entered for release after wellness from medication.

Murithi however prayed for his release in order to undergo medication at home saying the torment he has undergone since his arrest is unbearable.

Murithi hung onto the landing skid of a helicopter ferrying CS Munya and EALA MP Mpuru Aburi on June 22, 2022 at Kiegoi market following a rally in a bid to solicit votes for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), in a statement the following day, said he had been apprehended and that due course shall follow.

KCAA further discouraged the act that is seemingly gaining popularity at rallies, warning that any persons found past given proximities during a chopper's take-off will face the law.