Nanyuki mountain guide found dead on Mt Kenya after 17-day search

Nanyuki mountain guide Samuel Macharia Wanjohi has been found dead on Mount Kenya after a 17-day search that began when he vanished on December 23, 2025. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the recovery and said the operation involved multiple agencies and local experts.

Nanyuki mountain guide: timeline of search

Wanjohi disappeared while trekking along the Sirimon–Shipton route inside Mount Kenya National Park. A missing person report followed on December 24. KWS activated its Mountain Search and Rescue Unit and coordinated teams on the mountain throughout the holiday period.

Where the body was found

Search teams located the body on January 9, 2026, in Hinde Valley at roughly 4,300 metres above sea level. The site lies off the Sirimon–Shipton corridor at high altitude, which complicated access and recovery.

Agencies leading the operation

KWS led the search with support from the National Police Service, experienced mountain guides and porters. Officials described hazardous terrain and shifting weather during the effort. The agency offered condolences to the family after the recovery.

Official confirmation and related reports

Nation Media and other Kenyan outlets reported the discovery after KWS issued its statement. Nation’s sitemap lists the story under Laikipia County coverage, while broadcasters amplified the update on social platforms.

What investigators will review

Authorities are expected to document the recovery site and compile a full incident report. Standard procedure includes notifying next of kin and arranging a post-mortem through police channels. Further details on cause of death were not released at the time of publication.

Clear summary of confirmed facts

The veteran guide went missing on December 23 during a Mount Kenya trek. A multi-agency search recovered his body on January 9 in Hinde Valley, about 4,300 metres up. KWS confirmed the outcome and expressed sympathy to the family.