NAIROBI, Kenya — The body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who went missing on Mount Kenya nearly three weeks ago, has been recovered following an extensive search operation led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, KWS said Wanjohi’s body was located on January 9, 2026, off the main hiking trail in Hinde Valley at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres.
Wanjohi disappeared on December 23, 2025, while guiding trekkers along the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mount Kenya National Park, prompting a large-scale rescue and recovery mission.
KWS said it immediately deployed its specialised Mountain Search and Rescue Unit after receiving the report and formally notified Chogoria Police Station to support coordination efforts.
The operation brought together KWS rangers, experienced mountain rescuers and aerial surveillance teams, with searches conducted across several high-risk zones, including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos and the Timau Route.
Search teams battled harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain and poor visibility throughout the mission.
KWS worked closely with the National Police Service (NPS), local mountain guides, porters and community members, acknowledging their role in the successful recovery.
“Their courage, resilience and solidarity were instrumental in the search efforts,” KWS said.
Following the recovery, the wildlife agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives in Kenya’s mountain regions and strengthening emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.
KWS also conveyed its condolences to Wanjohi’s family, fellow guides and porters, and the wider Mount Kenya community.
