Grandfather travels 8,000 miles for grandson’s graduation in Alabama, then disappears

After traveling more than 8,000 miles from Kenya to Alabama, 73-year-old Reuben Waithaka vanished just one day after arriving in the United States to attend his grandson’s high school graduation. Seven weeks later, his family is still searching for answers.

What happened to Reuben Waithaka?

Waithaka flew in from Nairobi with his wife, Elizabeth, on May 13, landing in Atlanta after a layover in Frankfurt. The couple drove nearly three hours to Calera, a city of 19,000 located 30 miles south of Birmingham. On May 14, they arrived at his son’s home. The next morning, Waithaka walked out the front door—and disappeared.

Timeline of Disappearance:

• May 13: Waithaka and his wife depart Nairobi, Kenya.
• May 14: They arrive in Calera, Alabama.
• May 15, 11:08 a.m.: Doorbell footage shows Waithaka leaving his son’s home with the family dog.
• May 15, 11:43 a.m.: Surveillance video captures him at a Chevron gas station two miles away, walking with a limp and exiting through a rear door.
• Later that day: A witness reports seeing a man matching his description crawling under a gate into a wooded area near a hunting club.

Police say Waithaka received two rides that morning—one from a neighbor who dropped him off a few houses away, and another from a DoorDash driver who took him to the gas station. These interactions, while well-meaning, may have distanced him from familiar surroundings.

Search efforts for Reuben Waithaka

Search efforts have been extensive. Calera police deployed helicopters, drones, off-road vehicles, tracking dogs, and infrared heat-sensing cameras to comb the wooded terrain. They’ve also canvassed shelters, hospitals, and truck stops, and enlisted help from the FBI and Crime Stoppers. Despite these efforts, no trace has been found.

Family tries to out together the pieces

Family members believe Waithaka may have been suffering from undiagnosed dementia. He appeared confused during the flight and fell on an airport escalator, injuring his knee. Though ER tests came back normal, his behavior raised concerns.

Waithaka missed his grandson Byron’s graduation five days later. His June 3 birthday passed quietly. The family had planned a goat roast in celebration—but the party was never held.

Barua continues to post flyers about his father across Alabama during his trucking routes. Waithaka’s wife has returned to Kenya. Each phone call brings both dread and hope.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Calera Police Department at (205) 668-3505.