Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the death of Mr. Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who went missing on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route in Mt. Kenya National Park.
His body was recovered on January 9, 2026, off the Marania trail at GPS coordinates 37M0314002 UTM 9985389.
Upon receiving the missing person report, KWS immediately activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit, in line with its mandate to ensure visitor safety and respond to emergencies within protected mountain areas.
A formal report was also lodged at Chogoria Police Station (OB No. 30/24/2/2025).
An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation was mounted, involving experienced rangers, the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, aerial surveillance, and extensive ground patrols.
The operation covered key areas including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hide Valley, Mintos, and the Timau Route, despite extreme weather, challenging terrain, and limited visibility.
KWS coordinated closely with the National Police Service and received support from local mountain guides, porters, family members, and the broader mountain community.
Their dedication and resilience were instrumental throughout the search effort.
Tragically, Mr. Wanjohi’s body was located in Hinde Valley at approximately 4,300 metres above sea level.
KWS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives in Kenya’s protected mountain landscapes and continues to strengthen mountain safety, emergency preparedness, and coordinated response mechanisms.
The service extended its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wanjohi’s family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the entire Mt. Kenya mountain community during this difficult time.
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