The Calera Police Department in Alabama is maintaining an active search for 73-year-old Kenyan grandfather Reuben Waithaka, who disappeared nearly five months ago.
Police say they remain determined to find answers as his family continues to plead for information about his whereabouts.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche confirmed that the case remains open and active, with continued collaboration between local and federal partners.
Waithaka, a father of four and grandfather of ten, was last seen on May 15 after reportedly walking away from his son’s home in the Timberline subdivision.
A witness told investigators they saw him enter a wooded area on private hunting land off Highway 25, prompting an extensive four-day search involving police, fire crews, drones, and search dogs.
“We use the best tools that are available and do our best, but no, we cannot rule out that he’s in that area, absolutely not,” said Hyche.
Search Efforts and Appeal for Information
Authorities used advanced drone mapping technology from the Helena Police Department to survey the area, which spans over 12.5 miles in diameter.
Despite the large-scale search, no evidence has been found. Police say there is still no indication of foul play.
“I’m hopeful that somebody picked him up and he’s somewhere, the family’s not going to give up, and we’re not going to give up either,” said Chief Hyche.
Barua urged residents across southern states to remain alert.
Also Read: Family Issues Update on Grandpa Who Went Missing in the US Days After Arriving
Calera Police are asking anyone with information on Reuben Waithaka’s whereabouts to contact the department at 205-668-3505.
Family Clings to Hope as Calera Police Continue with Search
Waithaka’s eldest daughter, Emily Barua, has returned to her home in Seattle but remains hopeful that her father will be found alive.
“Sometimes I want to talk about my dad in the past, but I don’t have any evidence. So, I talk to him as if he’s still alive, but I don’t know where he is,” she said tearfully.
Waithaka had traveled from Kenya with his wife, Elizabeth, to attend their first grandchild’s graduation from Calera High School.
The family said the visit was meant to be a time of celebration before tragedy struck.
Reuben Waithaka’s Disappearance
Reports by CNN indicate that the 72-year-old arrived at his son’s house in Calera, Alabama, carrying sentimental gifts tucked in his suitcase.
Also Read: Last Moments of Kenyan American Soldier Who Went Missing in the U.S.
The gifts included faded photos of his son’s childhood and matching African print shirts for himself, his son, and his grandson, which they never got to wear together.
According to his family, Waithaka walked out of his son’s house and vanished hours after he and his wife, Elizabeth Barua, landed in the U.S.
Despite the family reporting the incident to the police, creating posters, making online appeals, and obtaining CCTV footage of his last known sighting, the elderly man remains missing.
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