KWS recovers body of missing porter after an 18-day-long search in Mt Kenya
By Cynthia Lodite, January 10, 2026Kenya Wildlife Service has recovered the body of a missing porter after an eighteen-day-long search in Mount Kenya.
In a post on the KWS official X account on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the KWS announced that the man was reported missing on December 23 ,2025.
According to the KWS, the man went missing while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mt Kenya National Park.
“Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) regrets to report the loss of life of Mr. Samuel Macharia Wanjohi, whose body has been located. Mr. Wanjohi, a porter, was reported missing on December 23, 2025, while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route within Mt. Kenya National Park,” KWS said.
The KWS officers further added that his body was located off Marania Trail on 9th January 2026.
“The body was located off the Marania trail on 9th January 2026 at GPS 37M0314002 UTM 9985389. Immediately upon receipt of the report on 23rd 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,” KWS added.
On the other hand, KWS stated that a formal report was also lodged at Chogoria Police Station upon his disappearance.
At the time, KWS mounted an intensive, multi-agency day and night search and rescue operation, deploying experienced rangers and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, supported by aerial surveillance and extensive ground operations.
“A formal report was also lodged at Chogoria Police Station (OB No. 30/24/2/2025). KWS mounted an intensive, multi-agency day and night search and rescue operation, deploying experienced rangers and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, supported by aerial surveillance and extensive ground operations,” KWS noted.
“The search covered Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hide Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route, and surrounding areas, despite extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain and poor visibility,” KWS stated.
KWS confirmed that throughout the operation, KWS worked in close coordination with the National Police Service and was assisted by mountain guides and porters, including family members and members of the local mountain community.
KWS further added that their courage, resilience, and solidarity were instrumental in the search efforts. Regrettably, Mr Wanjohi’s body was located at Hinde Valley on 9th January 2026, at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level.
Kenya Wildlife Service also noted that the 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.
In addition, KWS has conveyed its condolences to the family, friends, fellow porters, guides, and the entire Mt. Kenya mountain community during this time of grief.