Kenya Wildlife Service has confirmed the recovery of the body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who went missing while guiding climbers on Mt Kenya, 18 days after he was last seen.
In a statement released on Saturday, KWS said Wanjohi disappeared on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route inside Mt Kenya National Park. A report was filed the same day, prompting the wildlife agency to launch a full-scale search.
According to KWS, the Mountain Search and Rescue Unit was activated immediately after receiving the missing person report. The operation involved experienced rangers and rescue officers who conducted both aerial surveillance and ground patrols across the mountain.
“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,” the statement read.
The wildlife service said it worked closely with the National Police Service throughout the operation. Search teams combed several key areas, including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route and nearby sections of the park.
KWS noted that the operation was carried out under very difficult conditions. Rescue teams faced extreme weather, rough terrain and poor visibility, which slowed down the search and made movement across the mountain challenging. Despite this, the teams continued to push on.
After 18 days of searching, Wanjohi’s body was found on January 9, 2026, at Hinde Valley, about 4,300 metres above sea level. The location was off the main trail.
Wanjohi, who had worked as a guide for 15 years, was part of a group of seven people climbing the mountain on December 23. He went missing before the group reached the summit.
The team, made up of guides, porters and two Japanese guests, had left Nanyuki town early that morning. They entered the park through the Sirimon Gate and were headed towards Shipton’s Camp.
KWS said the incident happened between Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp, where Wanjohi vanished along the trail. His personal belongings were later found, raising early concerns that his disappearance may have been planned.
In its statement, the wildlife agency expressed sympathy to Wanjohi’s family and the wider 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 said.
