Where’s Waithaka? Grandfather’s Disappearance in Alabama Turns Family Reunion into Nightmare

The disappearance of Reuben Waithaka, a 72-year-old Kenyan national, continues to confound authorities and devastate his family, seven weeks after he vanished in Calera, Alabama. 

The case has cast a shadow over what was intended as a celebratory family reunion, turning a long-anticipated gathering into a desperate search for answers. Waithaka travelled over 13,000 kilometres from Nairobi to attend his grandson's high school graduation, carrying sentimental gifts, including childhood photographs of his son and matching African print shirts for the family. He arrived in the United States hoping to celebrate family legacy and generational pride. Instead, his presence has become the focal point of an intensive missing persons investigation.

The circumstances surrounding Waithaka's disappearance began on the morning of 15 May, one day after he arrived at his son's home in Calera. Security footage shows him leaving the residence at 11:08 a.m., wearing khaki trousers, a blue-and-white checked shirt, and black shoes. About 30 minutes later, further surveillance footage captured him entering and exiting a restroom at a nearby petrol station via a rear door. This remains the last confirmed sighting of him.

Despite extensive search efforts by local law enforcement, including aerial searches with helicopters and drones, ground sweeps with off-road vehicles and tracking dogs, and thermal imaging scans, no trace of Waithaka has been found. The city of Calera, with a population of approximately 19,000, is located about 48 kilometres south of Birmingham.

According to Calera Police Chief David Hyche, Waithaka received two unsolicited lifts from motorists shortly after leaving his son's residence. A neighbour initially dropped him off a few houses away, mistakenly believing it to be his destination. Subsequently, a DoorDash driver transported him to the petrol station where he was last seen.

These seemingly benign interactions may have inadvertently contributed to his disappearance by distancing him from familiar surroundings. The police have interviewed both drivers, who are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Adding complexity to the case are concerns regarding Waithaka's mental and physical wellbeing. 

His son, Willington Barua, reported that Waithaka appeared disoriented during the flight from Frankfurt to Atlanta and required assistance from airline staff. Upon arrival, he reportedly fell on an airport escalator, injuring his knee. A limp is visible in the surveillance footage. Although an initial hospital visit yielded no alarming results, the family now suspects that Waithaka may have been experiencing undiagnosed dementia or another cognitive condition, potentially exacerbated by the stress of travel and an unfamiliar environment.

"He wasn't himself," Barua said. "We thought it was jetlag, but looking back, there were signs we missed."

The emotional toll on the family has been substantial. Waithaka's grandson, Byron, graduated five days after his grandfather's disappearance. "He just got here. And then he was gone," Byron said.

Waithaka's daughter, Emily, expressed the family's growing concerns. "I want to be hopeful, I really do," she said. "But sometimes I wonder-did he sit somewhere and fall asleep in the heat and never wake up?"

The family has repeatedly retraced Waithaka's steps, scrutinising surveillance footage and canvassing the surrounding area. A reported sighting by a local resident suggested that Waithaka may have entered a nearby hunting club by crawling under a gate, but searches of the wooded terrain have been unsuccessful.

In the absence of concrete leads, speculation has increased. 

Some community members have questioned whether Waithaka may have attempted to return to Kenya, confused about his location. Others have raised concerns about the possibility of foul play, although authorities have stated there is no evidence to support this theory. The Calera Police Department has assured the public that all leads are being thoroughly investigated.

The family continues to appeal to the public for assistance. Posters displaying Waithaka's image have been distributed throughout the region, and social media campaigns aim to raise awareness. His granddaughter, Elaine Westry Njoki, has been using platforms like TikTok to clarify details and rally support.

"My grandfather has been missing since 15 May," she posted. "It has been very difficult for my family and me, but we won't give up. Please keep us in your prayers and share the word."