KWS Recovers Body of Missing Tour Guide on Mount Kenya After Three-Week Search
In a statement issued on Friday, January 9, KWS announced that the body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi was found in Hinde Valley, off the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mount Kenya National Park, at a high-altitude location
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the recovery of the body of a tour guide who went missing while trekking on Mount Kenya, nearly three weeks after an intensive multi-agency search operation
In a statement issued on Friday, January 9, KWS announced that the body of Samuel Macharia Wanjohi was found in Hinde Valley, off the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mount Kenya National Park, at a high-altitude location
“Kenya Wildlife Service regrets to report the loss of life of Mr. Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, whose body has been located,” the agency said
Wanjohi was reported missing on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the popular Sirimon–Shipton route
Following the report, KWS activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit in line with its mandate to ensure visitor safety within protected mountain ecosystems
A formal report was filed at Chogoria Police Station under OB number 30/24/2/2025, prompting the launch of a coordinated search effort
According to KWS, the operation involved experienced rangers, the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, aerial surveillance, and extensive ground patrols
Search teams combed multiple areas, including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route and surrounding regions
The agency noted that the search was conducted under extremely challenging conditions, marked by harsh weather, rugged terrain and poor visibility
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KWS further revealed that it worked closely with the National Police Service and received support from mountain guides, porters, members of the local mountain community, and the deceased’s family
Wanjohi’s body was eventually located on January 9 at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level in Hinde Valley
The agency conveyed its condolences to the family, friends, guides and the wider Mount Kenya community
“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,” KWS said
