Kenyan Grandfather Disappears in Alabama After Traveling 8,000 Miles for Grandson’s Graduation

Reuben Waithaka, 73, who was last seen on May 15, 2025

A Kenyan family is pleading for answers nearly two months after 73-year-old Reuben Waithaka mysteriously vanished in Alabama, just one day after arriving in the U.S. to attend his grandson’s high school graduation.

Waithaka and his wife, Elizabeth, flew more than 8,000 miles from Kenya to Calera, Alabama, where their son lives, in May. The couple’s visit was meant to be a joyful celebration of their eldest grandson’s academic milestone. But less than 24 hours after arriving, Waithaka left his son's home on May 15 around 11 a.m. and has not been seen since.

Waithaka's grandson, Byron, and his family members before his high school graduation

The disappearance has devastated his family. Waithaka missed the graduation ceremony, which took place six days after he vanished. "He just got here. And then he was gone," said his grandson, Byron.

Family members said Waithaka had packed gifts, including photos from his son’s youth and matching shirts for himself, his son, and his grandson — items meant to celebrate the graduation.

Elizabeth Waithaka recalled that her husband appeared disoriented the morning he disappeared. She briefly followed him but returned to lock the house. When she went back out, he was gone. The family noted that Waithaka seemed confused about his surroundings since arriving in the United States.

(Left to right) Reuben Waithaka's wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Emily

His daughter, Emily Ann Balua, suggested that he may have been trying to return to Kenya, possibly to Kamboni, the town he’s originally from. “So, if he asks you to take him to a city, especially to Kamboni, that is where he's from,” she said.

According to Calera Police, Waithaka was seen taking at least two rides that morning. The first was within the neighborhood, and the second brought him to a Chevron gas station about two miles away. Surveillance footage captured him at the station around 11:48 a.m., walking with his hands behind his back and waving at the store attendant before entering a restroom. He exited through the back door and has not been seen since.

Authorities have not diagnosed Waithaka with any cognitive disorders, but his behavior appeared confused. Police Chief David Hyche confirmed that the department continues to check with immigration enforcement and follow leads, although those leads have slowed.

(Left to right) Reuben Waithaka's granddaughter, Elaine Westry, and Balua speaking to WVTM about Waithaka's disappearance

The family has urged the public not to offer Waithaka rides, but instead to contact law enforcement immediately if he is spotted. “We don’t want him to go any farther,” said Balua. “Distract him and call the police.”

On June 3, Waithaka turned 73, but the birthday was marked by sorrow rather than celebration. “HAPPY 73rd BIRTHDAY To My Father! However it’s hard to spend this joyous day without the man of the day,” his son, Willington Waithaka, wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

He later expressed anguish over the events, saying, “Sometimes I regret why I asked my parents to come for my son’s graduation. I find myself wondering, ‘What would I have done differently?’ Maybe if I hadn’t invited them, my dad would still be with us.”

Authorities continue to investigate, and the family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information that could lead to Waithaka’s safe return.