Samuel Macharia’s body was discovered in Hinde Valley at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level./KWS
An autopsy has revealed that a 35-year-old Mt Kenya guide who went missing during a climbing expedition last month died of asphyxia, bringing closure to his family after weeks of uncertainty.
Asphyxia is a serious condition where the body lacks sufficient oxygen due to blocked breathing, often leading to unconsciousness and death.
Samuel Macharia, a seasoned mountain guide, disappeared on December 23 while on an expedition on Mt Kenya.
His body was later recovered following an intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation.
The postmortem was conducted on Tuesday at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital by a government pathologist in the presence of family members.
The examination showed that Macharia had no visible physical injuries and that all his internal organs were intact.
However, the pathologist established that lack of oxygen was the primary cause of death.
Lucy Kagwaine, a family spokesperson, said the findings had helped ease the family’s pain after days of anxiety and unanswered questions surrounding Macharia’s disappearance.
“The post-mortem has been conducted, and we are satisfied as a family. There were no visible injuries, and we have been informed that he died due to lack of oxygen in the mountain,” Kagwaine said.
She added that although the loss remains painful, the results have given the family peace of mind.
Macharia went missing while in the company of four other guides who were accompanying two Japanese tourists attempting to climb Africa’s second-highest mountain.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Macharia’s body was discovered in Hinde Valley at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level.
KWS said the body was located after a sustained and coordinated search involving multiple agencies. The operation deployed experienced rangers and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, supported by aerial surveillance and extensive ground patrols.
The search covered several areas, including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route and surrounding regions. The operation was carried out under challenging conditions marked by extreme weather, rugged terrain and poor visibility.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are complete following the autopsy findings.