An autopsy has confirmed that 35-year-old Samuel Macharia, a seasoned Mt Kenya guide who went missing during a climbing expedition last month, died from asphyxia, finally providing his family with answers after weeks of uncertainty.
Asphyxia occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen due to blocked breathing, a condition that can quickly lead to unconsciousness and, in severe cases, death.
Macharia disappeared on December 23 while leading a climbing expedition alongside four other guides and two Japanese tourists attempting to scale Africa’s second-highest mountain.
His body was recovered after an extensive, multi-agency search and rescue operation that combed the mountain under challenging conditions. The operation deployed experienced rangers and the Mountain Search and Rescue Team, supported by aerial surveillance and extensive ground patrols. The search covered areas including Shipton Camp, Austrian Hut, Mackinder’s Valley, Sendeyo, Hinde Valley, Mintos, the Timau Route, and surrounding regions, despite harsh weather, rugged terrain, and limited visibility.
A government pathologist conducted the postmortem on Tuesday at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital in the presence of Macharia’s family. The examination found no visible injuries, and all internal organs were intact. However, the pathologist concluded that oxygen deprivation was the primary cause of death.
Lucy Kagwaine, speaking on behalf of the family, said the findings brought much-needed relief after days of worry and unanswered questions.
“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 while the loss remains deeply painful, the results have given the family peace of mind.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that Macharia’s body was found in Hinde Valley at an altitude of approximately 4,300 metres above sea level. Authorities said the recovery and investigation were carried out efficiently, bringing closure to the incident.
Following the autopsy, KWS and other authorities confirmed that investigations into the tragedy are now complete.
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