Mt Kenya Guide Found Dead
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully located Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who went missing during a trek on Mt. Kenya 18 days ago.
In a statement released on Saturday, KWS confirmed that Wanjohi had disappeared on December 23, 2025, while hiking along the Sirimon-Shipton route within Mt. Kenya National Park.
Following his disappearance, a missing person report was filed, which led KWS to promptly activate its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit. This team, made up of skilled rangers and rescue personnel, utilized both aerial surveillance and ground operations to thoroughly search 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.
They collaborated closely with the National Police Service throughout the operation.
Their search took them to Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route, and the surrounding areas.
During the search, they encountered some really tough conditions. Battling extreme weather, challenging terrain, and poor visibility made it hard to find Wanjohi. But despite these obstacles, the teams kept pushing through the rugged mountain landscape.
After 18 long days, his body was discovered on January 9, 2026, in Hinde Valley, about 4,300 meters above sea level, tucked away from the main trail.
Macharia, a seasoned guide with 15 years under his belt, was one of seven climbers who set out on December 23, but he went missing before reaching the summit.
The group, which included guides, porters, and two Japanese guests, had left Nanyuki town that morning, all set to tackle the snow-capped peak.
They made their way into Mount Kenya National Park through the Sirimon Gate, but as they trekked between Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp, something unexpected occurred.
Macharia vanished along the trail, leaving his personal belongings behind, which sparked concerns that his disappearance might have been planned.
In a statement released on Saturday, the wildlife service extended their condolences to Wanjohi’s family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the entire 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.
Mt Kenya Guide Found Dead
