Kenyan Grandfather Vanishes in Alabama Hours After Arriving for Grandson’s Graduation
A family reunion turned into a nightmare for Reuben’s grandfather, a 72-year-old from Kenya, who has been missing since he arrived in the US to attend his grandson’s high school graduation.
Reuben had traveled over 8,000 miles from Kenya, was full of pride and excitement. He was met by his son and couldn’t wait to see his grandson graduate. But on the morning after his arrival, Reuben stepped out of his son’s house in Calera at 11:08 am and hasn’t been seen since.
The last known image of Reuben was on a home doorbell camera, wearing khaki trousers, blue-and-white checked shirt and black shoes. No one has seen him since and his family is devastated and the community is worried.
Calera, a town of 19,000 people, 48 miles south of Birmingham has been the epicenter of the search for the missing grandfather. For the past 7 weeks, local police and volunteers have used helicopters, drones, off-road vehicles, thermal imaging equipment and tracking dogs to search the surrounding woods. But nothing has been found.
“We will follow every lead to bring Mr. Waithaka home,” said a Calera Police spokesperson. They are asking the public to come forward with any information.
According to CNN, Reuben brought symbolic gifts to mark the occasion, including matching African print shirts for himself, his son and grandson and family photos – a gesture to celebrate their heritage across generations.
The visit was months in the planning, Reuben arrived early to spend quality time with family. What was meant to be a celebration of love and legacy has turned into a desperate search.
The family is still appealing for help and hopes Reuben will be found. “We watch the footage every day. We retrace his steps. We’re not giving up,” said a family member.
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Kenyan Grandfather Vanishes in Alabama Hours After Arriving for Grandson’s Graduation