Where was Reuben Waithaka last seen? Family’s concerns for missing Kiambu man in Alabama intensifies as search continues

Earlier this year, Reuben Waithaka landed in the US with his wife, Elizabeth Barua, to attend their grandson’s high school graduation ceremony. However, after staying at his son Willington’s house, the 73-year-old Kenyan man went missing on May 15, sparking a weeks-long search operation without any success.

According to CNN, Reuben Waithaka was seen leaving his son’s house in Calera, Alabama, on the day of his disappearance. At 11:08, he was captured on the front door camera “stepping out onto the driveway” of the residence. Waithaka was wearing a checkered blue-and-white shirt with khakis and black shoes, CNN confirmed. 

🚨"Reuben Waithaka traveled from Kenya to witness his first grandson graduate from high school in Calera, Alabama. The next day he stepped out of his son’s house at 11:08 a.m. — and disappeared......"

cnn. pic.twitter.com/m3r1pWZlXJ

— Naila Rehan jamil (@RehanNaila1970) July 7, 2025

Reuben was reportedly last seen on May 15 at a gas station two miles away from Willington’s house. Per CNN, the security camera footage recorded him entering the place almost half an hour after leaving his son’s residence. Reuben Waithaka reportedly waved at the store attendant before walking towards a restroom. 

Based on CNN’s report, the Kenyan man left through the back door of the store, and his whereabouts have remained unknown ever since. The search efforts have continued for seven weeks, but authorities haven’t been able to locate the 73-year-old. 

Reuben Waithaka’s family shares concerns, while the Kenyan man remains missing 

As mentioned, the native of Kaimbu, Kenya, arrived in Alabama, US, earlier this year, with his wife. Waithaka traveled more than 8,000 miles to be at his grandson’s graduation, which was scheduled to happen six days after his arrival, CNN confirmed. The outlet also revealed that Reuben had brought matching African print shirts for himself, his son, and his grandchild. 

However, five days before the graduation, Reuben Waithaka went missing and was never found again. While the search for the Kaimbu man has continued, his family has shared their concerns. Waithaka’s grandson, Byron, told CNN, 

“He just got here. And then he was gone.” 

Willington, Reuben Waithaka’s son, also shared (via CNN), 

“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.” 

According to CNN, the authorities have used helicopters, drones, off-road vehicles, K9s, and infrared heat-seeking cameras in their search operations. Last month, Calera Police Chief David Hyche told WVTM-TV, 

“It will get more and more difficult. We have three detectives, and we've really put a lot of miles on their cars by following up on this, but in this particular situation, it's very sad.” 

Hyche also mentioned talking to Reuben’s son and wife around Father's Day and asserted that it was a “tough time for them.” The Calera Police Chief also stated that they are not “getting as many tips as before.”