VIDEO: Ole Lenku's pilot angrily chases residents away from chopper at rally

A helicopter pilot was filmed angrily chasing away residents in Kajiado who had gathered around the aircraft during a political rally.

In the viral clip, the pilot of helicopter 5Y-DSB, which had earlier flown Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to the function, is seen alighting and slapping a young man who was seated on the landing skids.

The startled group quickly dispersed, but the pilot went on to confront another man who was taking photos beside the helicopter.

It is unclear what triggered the altercation, but the footage has sparked heated reactions online.

"Those guys have really gone too far, sitting on the stands of a helicopter. I can't blame the pilot," said Bishop Ikayo.

Others disagreed. "The pilot's personal actions don't align with his professional persona," wrote Benda Tipayon.

Another user, Benson Sirnkilil, defended the pilot, saying: "The pilot is right-those boys pia wamekosea, ndege si mchezo bwana (they were wrong, a helicopter is no joke)."

Kajiado County Communications Director Paul Tobiko confirmed the incident and defended the pilot's actions, citing safety concerns.

"Although I was not at the event, it seems clear that the pilot was urging people to keep a safe distance from the helicopter, and rightly so," Tobiko said.

"We have witnessed unfortunate incidents in the past where individuals attempted to cling onto a helicopter during takeoff, putting their lives and those of passengers at risk," he added.

This is not the first time Kenyans have courted danger around helicopters.

Earlier this year, a 30-year-old man, Salom Obise, shocked guests at musician Prince Indah's traditional wedding in Rapogi village, Uriri, Migori County, when he clung onto a helicopter carrying YouTuber Oga Obinna as it took off.

Uriri Sub-County Police Commander Enrico Lyomus, at the time, confirmed the incident and said officers were searching for Obise after the stunt, which endangered both himself and those on board.