Kenyans of goodwill have raised over Ksh1 million for the family of Samuel Muturi Wanjiru, a United States Marine, who went missing shortly after going on vacation with his girlfriend in Puerto Rico.
In a GoFundMe page set up by Muturi's girlfriend, Natasha Castillo, the well-wishers raised Ksh1.3 million, out of a set target of Ksh1.9 million.
Castillo explained that her boyfriend has been missing since March 25, 2024, when he was swept away by ocean currents while swimming at La Pared beach in Luquillo.
Thereafter she reached out to Muturi's family and has since been trying to acquire as many resources as possible with the hopes of finding the marine.
"Please, anything anyone can help with would be most appreciated. This would help with stay expenses in P.R., transportation expenses, bill expenses, and food expenses," read part of the GoFundMe page.
"We ask that people send prayers and love during this devastating and heart-aching time. We are firm believers in God as Samuel is too and we have faith that he will be found. Thank you for your support!"
According to Muturi's mother, the couple, who have been together for five years, went for a short vacation in Puerto Rico to celebrate the marine's birthday.
Upon arrival in the country, Muturi contacted his mother and provided her with details of where they were staying.
The following day, the couple visited the beach to go swimming but Castillo declined to stay in the water, citing that she was tired.
However, Muturi continued swimming but was later hit by a strong wave and swept away by the raging ocean.
"I was working when I received a call that my son was swept away by a current. I am hoping that he may be stranded somewhere since he knew how to swim but as days go by the hope is slowly fading," Muturi's mother told KDTV.
She appealed to the US government to intervene and assist in retrieving her son.
