Kenyan Man, 72, Goes Missing While Attending His Grandson's Graduation in US

• Reuben Barua Waithaka went missing under unknown circumstances in the Timberline neighborhood of Calera, Alabama, USA
• The 72-year-old man had traveled abroad to attend his grandson's graduation ceremony when he disappeared
• The Kenyan family appealed to the public to help locate their loved one, who was last seen being given a lift

A Kenyan family is in despair and agony following the disappearance of their close relative under mysterious circumstances.

Reuben Barua Waithaka was last seen around 11am on Thursday, May 15, near Merion Drive in the Timberline neighborhood of Calera, Alabama.

He had traveled abroad to attend his grandson's graduation in Alabama when he went missing, leaving his family deeply worried.

Waithaka's family appeals for help to find him

The daughter of the 72-year-old man appealed to the public to help find him and ensure his safe return home.

"We appeal that if he asks for one more ride, please distract him and call the police. We do not want him to go any further. So, we are hoping that someone can distract him, call 911, until we bring him home. We are hoping that someone somewhere is taking good care of him as we try to locate and bring him home," said Emily Barua.

Waithaka, who suffers from dementia, had allegedly been given a lift near a petrol station, as captured in CCTV footage.

It remains unknown where he was heading or who took him, as the family continues their desperate search.

Netizens comfort Waithaka's family

Social media users were heartbroken by the news and took to the comments section to express their support and offer prayers:

Trisha Prater:

"No one with dementia should be driving at all, especially alone. But if he wasn’t driving, someone must have taken him. Even if he doesn’t seem like he has dementia, it’s because people don’t understand the condition. My husband's license was taken away while he was in stage three of dementia. Now he’s in stage five. It's sad. I hope he is found."

Tina Angus:

"It's sad that places like this still exist in 2025, especially for people from different states and countries who are unaware of the town’s history and reputation. The area has made some progress, but not enough to let your guard down. There’s still that deep-rooted "good ol' boys" mentality. My spirit is unsettled knowing this man traveled all the way from Kenya to end up around the Cullman area. May God protect him and bring him home safely."

Gloria Crim:

"Praying that he returns home safe. Lord, just keep your arms around him and bring him back home safely."

Evangeline Waihenya:

"Praying for his safety. My thoughts and prayers are with him and the entire family."

Jackie Sims Calvert:

"Check any lakes or ponds nearby. A lot of dementia patients tend to wander toward water."

What to do after an elderly family member goes missing

According to information shared by AARP.org, when a senior citizen, especially one with dementia, goes missing, the family should contact the police so that a probe and search for their whereabouts can begin immediately.t

Additionally, check if they wandered off to their favourite joints first or places they enjoy talking about

Also, make social media posts and instead of using just 'missing' on the poster, also use 'missing and at risk' so that one understands the situation if at all they come across them.

While speaking to the authorities, be prepared to provide a current photo, with a detailed description of their appearance, what they were wearing when they were last seen and any other relevant information.

Visit the last place they were last seen and check the footage or talk to witnesses who might have seen them.

Missing Dagoretti man found after nearly weeklong search

In another story, a man from Dagoretti who had been missing for nearly a week was found safe and sound.

Alex Kabiti, a Nairobi businessman, went missing after dropping his expectant wife at Kikuyu Hospital.

According to reports, Kabiti went straight to bed upon his return but did not disclose the details of his whereabouts during his six-day disappearance.

Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added details on what to do after an elderly family member goes missing.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke