The 18-day search for Samuel Macharia Wanjohi has ended in sorrow. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed this morning that the body of the 35-year-old porter, who vanished on December 23, was discovered in the remote Hinde Valley of Mount Kenya.

Macharia had been part of a team guiding tourists along the Sirimon–Shipton route when he mysteriously disappeared. His body was located at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level, a zone known for its unforgiving terrain and rapid weather changes.

The Discovery

The breakthrough came after an intensified multi-agency operation involving KWS rangers, the National Police Service, and local mountain guides. Aerial surveillance had been hampered by poor visibility for days, but a break in the weather allowed ground teams to access the Hinde Valley, a treacherous area often avoided by casual trekkers.

• The Mystery: Questions remain about how Macharia ended up in the Hinde Valley, which is off the standard porter track. Earlier reports indicated his personal effects were found neatly arranged on a different path, fueling speculation about high-altitude sickness (HACE) or disorientation.
• Community Grief: "We have lost a brother and a professional," said the head of the Porters Association. The mountain community is devastated, viewing the loss as a grim reminder of the risks they take to support Kenya's tourism industry.
• Next Steps: A recovery team is currently navigating the steep terrain to retrieve the body. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, whether from hypothermia, a fall, or medical complications.

Safety Protocols in Question

This tragedy is likely to trigger a review of safety protocols for porters, who often carry heavy loads with less protective gear than the tourists they assist. KWS has expressed deep condolences to the family, praising the "resilience and solidarity" of the search teams who never gave up hope.