By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 10 January 2026 - A painstaking, multi-agency search operation on Mt. Kenya has ended in tragedy after the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recovered the body of a porter who went missing during a trek late last year.
In a statement sent to newsrooms early Saturday, KWS said the body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi was found off the trail in Hinde Valley on Friday at an altitude of about 4,300 metres above sea level.
Wanjohi had been reported missing on 23 December 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mt Kenya National Park.
“Immediately upon receipt of the report on 23 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,” the agency said.
KWS said the disappearance was formally reported at Chogoria Police Station under OB No. 30/24/2/2025, paving the way for a coordinated search involving multiple agencies and the local mountain community.
According to the wildlife agency, the search covered vast and challenging terrain, including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos and the Timau Route.
The operation combined aerial surveillance with extensive ground patrols by experienced rangers and a specialized Mountain Search and Rescue Team.
“KWS mounted an intensive, multi-agency day search and rescue operation,” the statement said, noting that teams worked under “extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and poor visibility”.
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The agency said it worked closely with the National Police Service and was assisted by mountain guides, porters and members of Wanjohi’s family, as well as the wider Mt Kenya mountain community.
“Their courage, resilience, and solidarity were instrumental in the search efforts,” KWS said.
While expressing regret over the loss of life, KWS reaffirmed its commitment to improving safety on the country’s highest peaks.
“Kenya Wildlife Service remains committed to safeguarding lives within Kenya’s protected mountain landscapes and continues to strengthen mountain safety, emergency preparedness, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms,” the statement said.
KWS conveyed its condolences to Mr Wanjohi’s family, friends, fellow porters and guides, and the entire Mt Kenya mountain community as investigations and recovery processes continue.
Gruelling Mt Kenya Search Ends in Tragedy as KWS Recovers Missing Porter’s Body
Missing Mt Kenya porter found dead in Hinde Valley
