Porter Found Dead in Mt. Kenya National Park After Two-Week Search

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the death of Mr. Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, a porter who went missing while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route in Mt. Kenya National Park. His body was recovered on January 9, 2026, at Hinde Valley, at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres.

Mr. Wanjohi was reported missing on December 23, 2025. Following the report, KWS immediately activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit and filed a formal report with Chogoria Police Station (OB No. 30/24/2/2025).

The search operation involved a multi-agency effort, including KWS rangers, mountain guides, local porters, and aerial surveillance. The operation covered key trekking points such as Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hide Valley, Mintos, and the Timau Route. The search faced significant challenges, including extreme weather, rugged terrain, and poor visibility.

KWS commended the bravery and resilience of the search teams, volunteers, and the mountain community, whose coordinated efforts were central to the recovery mission.

In a statement, KWS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety within Kenya’s mountain ecosystems and pledged to continue strengthening emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

KWS extended its deepest condolences to Mr. Wanjohi’s family, friends, colleagues, and the broader Mt. Kenya mountain community.