In 2016, a man from Bungoma County, Kenya, went viral after clinging to a helicopter during the burial of businessman Jacob Juma. Known for his daring stunt, this man has now gained unexpected fame in India as the country gears up for its 2024 nationwide elections.
How It All Started
Back in 2016, the Bungoma man, whose real name is yet to be widely recognized, caught the world’s attention when he latched onto a helicopter. He later explained in court that his intention was to get a final view of Jacob Juma’s body, whom he considered a hero. The incident was both shocking and fascinating, as the man sustained injuries and narrowly escaped electrocution from low-lying power lines before being dropped off at Bungoma airstrip.
Viral Fame in India
Fast forward to 2024, and this audacious act has resurfaced in a rather unexpected place—India. As the Asian nation prepares for its elections, supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have used the old clip of the Bungoma man to illustrate Modi’s popularity. The video was captioned with statements like, “when Modi reached to address a rally, and started going back, a Blind Devotee could not stop himself,” highlighting the supposed dedication of Modi’s supporters.
The Irony of the Situation
Ironically, the clip was shared by an Indian journalist who claimed to be committed to writing the truth. Despite Modi’s genuine popularity, as evidenced by multiple surveys, there has been no instance of a supporter clutching onto his chopper during a political rally. This makes the use of the Bungoma man’s clip both misleading and amusing.
The Reality Behind the Stunt
For those unfamiliar with the original context, the Bungoma man’s helicopter stunt was a one-off event during a local Kenyan funeral, far removed from any political rally in India. His motivation was personal and not politically driven. Despite this, the footage has found new life and meaning in a different cultural and political landscape.
Interestingly, neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office nor his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commented on the use of this video.
More Details: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/101154-video-bungoma-man-hanging-chopper-falsely-used-portray-indian-pms-supporter