Stephen Odhiambo Obise, now infamously known as “Migori James Bond,” has been sentenced to either pay a Sh500,000 fine or serve 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to endangering an aircraft during musician Prince Indah’s traditional wedding.
The Incident (April 13, 2025):
During Prince Indah’s wedding celebrations in Rapogi village, Migori County, Obise dangerously clung to the skids of helicopter 57-PKZ as it prepared to depart for Nairobi with wedding guests at 5pm. The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a nearby farm to remove Obise, who then fled and went into hiding until his midnight arrest.
Legal Proceedings:
Held for 7 days during investigations under a miscellaneous application
Charged with “imperilling aircraft safety through disorderly conduct”
Pleaded guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Mathias Okuche on April 23
Multiple witnesses testified, including the pilot, police officers, and wedding attendees
Court Outcome:
Magistrate Okuche imposed the maximum penalty, emphasizing the serious risk to lives. Obise expressed remorse, citing his responsibilities as sole breadwinner for his two children.
Aftermath:
While the stunt earned Obise local notoriety as “Migori’s James Bond,” the court’s decision underscores Kenya’s strict aviation safety laws. Obise must now choose between paying the substantial fine or serving the prison sentence.
