Kenya’s very own “James Bond” released on bond

dennis kibet

February 3, 2017 4:27 PM

Julius Mwithalii was on Friday granted a Sh20,000 bond with a surety of the same amount or cash bail of Sh20, 000.

Julius Mwithalii (right) at the Maua Law Courts cells after appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Antony Munene where he was charged with attempted suicide.

The man who clung on Cord leader Raila Odinga’s chopper as it took off in Meru has been released on bond.

Mwithalii appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Anthony Munene in Maua after the court had ordered for him to undergo a mental check-up.

According to the Daily Nation, his defence lawyers had earlier pleaded with the court to grant him a personal bond, but the State counsel opposed the application, saying the offence committed was serious.

The lawyers also argued that Mr Mwithalii is the sole breadwinner and his family will suffer if he remains in custody.

Attempted suicide

Mwithalii had earlier this week been charged with attempted suicide before the same court – a charge which he denied.

The man now nicknamed “The Meru James Bond” made headlines last week after he jumped on to the chopper's landing skids as it took off after Raila addressed the crowd much to the shock of the crowd left behind.

Mwithalii was seen waving to the crowd beneath as he rode dangerously on the chopper’s landing skids for several minutes before the pilot landed at the nearby Athimba Primary School.

When later asked the reason behind his absurd actions, Mwithalii said that he wanted to follow Raila in order to be given a job since he had no means to earn a living.

He exhibited no signs of remorse when he was arrested and said he had planned the whole thing well in advance.

Last year, a similar incident occurred in Bungoma after a man hung onto a helicopter that had transported the body of businessman Jacob Juma.

A wealthy Kenyan businessman later offered to fly the man from Bungoma on a fully paid ride to any destination in the country.

The case will be mentioned on July 6.

dennis kibet