KWS Confirms Death of Porter Missing for 18 Days at Mt Kenya National Park

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an update on the whereabouts of a porter who went missing while trekking within Mt Kenya National Park and had been missing for 18 days.

KWS has confirmed the death of the porter, ending an 18-day search and rescue operation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2026, KWS said the body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi was located along the Marania trail within the park.

Wanjohi was reported missing on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route.

“Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) regrets to report the loss of life of Mr. Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, whose body has been located,” read the statement.

KWS Confirms Death of Samuel Macharia

According to the Wildlife Service, the body was discovered off the Marania trail on January 9, 2026, at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level. The location was recorded at GPS coordinates 37M0314002 UTM 9985389.

Upon receiving the report of Wanjohi’s disappearance, KWS activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit, as mandated to ensure visitor safety within protected mountain ecosystems. A formal report was filed at Chogoria Police Station under OB number 30/24/2/2025.

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The KWS conducted an intensive multi-agency search operation that involved experienced rangers and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team. The search efforts included both day and night operations, aerial surveillance, and extensive ground searches across Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, and the Timau Route, among other surrounding areas.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Police Service and received support from mountain guides, porters, members of the local mountain community, and Mr. Wanjohi’s family.

Despite challenging weather conditions, rugged terrain, and poor visibility, the teams persisted in their search until the body was located.

Last Moments Before The Porter Went Missing

KWS said it remains committed to safeguarding lives within Kenya’s protected mountain landscapes and continues to enhance mountain safety, emergency preparedness, and coordinated response mechanisms. The agency expressed its condolences to Wanjohi’s family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the broader Mt. Kenya mountain community during this difficult time.

Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a veteran porter and mountain guide with 15 years of experience, went missing on December 23, 2025, during a climb on the Sirimon–Shipton route of Mount Kenya.

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He was part of a group of seven, which included two Japanese tourists (the clients), several fellow guides and porters, and notably his older brother, Daniel Kagwaini, who had hired him for the expedition. The team set out from Nanyuki that morning with the goal of reaching the summit by Christmas. However, Macharia disappeared between Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp, leaving his belongings behind.

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