Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has located Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who had been missing during a trek of Mt Kenya 18 days ago.
While confirming the finding of the missing guide, KWS, in a statement on Saturday, said Wanjohi disappeared on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon-Shipton route within Mt Kenya National Park.
A missing person report was filed, which prompted KWS to activate its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit immediately. The deployment comprised experienced rangers and the rescue team, using both aerial surveillance and ground operations to comb through the area.
“Immediately upon receipt of the report on 23rd December 2025, KWS activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit, in line with its mandate to ensure visitor safety and emergency response within protected mountain ecosystems. A formal report was also lodged at Chogoria Police Station,” they stated in a statement.
Additionally, they worked with the National Police Service throughout the operation.
They searched Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder's Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route, and surrounding areas.
In the search operation, they faced harsh conditions throughout. They battled extreme weather, rugged terrain, and poor visibility that made locating Wanjohi difficult. Despite these challenges, the teams pressed on across the difficult mountain landscape.
After the 18-day operation, his body was found on January 9, 2026, at Hinde Valley, approximately 4,300 metres above sea level, located off the main trail.
Macharia, a veteran guide with 15 years of experience, was among seven people climbing the mountain on December 23 when he went missing before reaching the summit.
The group of guides, porters and two Japanese guests had left Nanyuki town in the morning, determined to conquer the snowcapped peak.
They entered Mount Kenya National Park through the Sirimon Gate, but between Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp, the unexpected happened.
Macharia disappeared along the trail, leaving behind his personal belongings, initially raising suspicions that his disappearance may have been premeditated.
The wildlife service, in its statement on Saturday, expressed condolences to Wanjohi's family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the Mt Kenya mountain community.
"KWS conveys its condolences to the family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the entire Mt Kenya mountain community during this time of grief," the statement finalised.
