Doting grandpa flies 8k miles to be at grandson’s commencement however by no means makes it as he vanishes a day after touchdown in US
A FAMILY is determined for solutions after their grandpa traveled 18 hours to attend his grandson’s commencement — however then disappeared.
It has been almost two months since Reuben Waithaka, 73, walked out of his son’s home and vanished on Could 15.
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Earlier than he went lacking, Waithaka and his spouse, Elizabeth, had flown greater than 8,000 miles from their house in Kenya to attend the highschool commencement of their first grandson in Alabama.
The morning after they arrived, Waithaka left the household house in Calera, about 30 miles south of Birmingham, at round 11 am.
He hasn’t been seen since.
The doting grandfather missed his grandson’s commencement, which occurred simply six days after he disappeared.
“He simply received right here. After which he was gone,” Waithaka’s grandson, Byron, instructed CNN.
The doting grandpa was planning on attending the commencement and even packed sentimental items to have a good time the event.
Photos of his son at a younger age and matching shirts for his son, grandson, and himself had been tucked into his suitcase, CNN reported.
His household was seen gathered collectively in photos of the commencement as they spoke in regards to the regarding state of affairs in social media posts.
Waithaka’s daughter-in-law, Mary Ngigi Waithaka, wrote partly on Fb, “Whilst our household navigates the concern and uncertainty of my father-in-law going lacking this previous week, I do know he would need us to have a good time this unimaginable achievement.”
MORNING OF MAY 15
Elizabeth stated that on the morning he went lacking, Waithaka stepped out of the home and appeared confused, in response to CBS affiliate WIAT.
She adopted her husband at first, however returned to lock the doorways of the home.
When she tried to meet up with him, he was already out of sight.
Timeline of disappearance
The seek for Reuben Waithaka has lasted seven weeks as his household is determined for solutions. Under is a timeline of his disappearance:
Could 14 – Reuben Waithaka and his spouse, Elizabeth, arrive in Calera, Alabama, after 18 hours of flying from Kenya.
Could 15 – Reuben leaves his son’s house at round 11 am carrying khaki pants and a plaid shirt. Inside an hour, he is seen two miles away at a fuel station. Police later stated he was given a experience to the fuel station.
Could 21 – Reuben’s grandson graduates from highschool with out Reuben in attendance.
June 3 – Reuben’s household celebrates his 73rd birthday with out him.
‘CONFUSED’ STATE
Emily Ann Balua, Waithaka’s daughter, stated the patriarch had gave the impression to be confused about the place he was since they arrived within the US, in response to NBC affiliate WVTM.
The household stated Waithaka may be making an attempt to return to Kenya.
“So, if he asks you to take him to a metropolis, particularly to Kamboni, that’s the place he is from,” Balua stated.
Waithaka was given a minimum of two rides after he left his household’s house, in response to the Calera Police Division.
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One of many rides was to a Chevron fuel station about two miles away from his son’s house.
Surveillance footage from the fuel station confirmed Waithaka strolling together with his arms behind his again at round 11:48 am.
He waved on the retailer attendant earlier than strolling to a restroom, in response to CNN.
Waithaka then left by the again door of the shop and hasn’t been seen since.
CPD hasn’t returned The U.S. Solar’s request for remark.
In Could, Waithaka’s household urged anybody who sees the lacking grandpa to name the police as an alternative of giving him a experience.
“We do not need him to go any farther,” Balua instructed WIAT on the time.
She instructed WVTM, “We’re hoping that if he approaches you for a experience, please do not give him a experience. Distract him and name the police.”
Waithaka’s household stated he hasn’t been identified with any illness that might impair his considering.
FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK
On June 3, Waithaka turned 73 and wasn’t together with his household to have a good time.
“HAPPY 73rd BIRTHDAY To My Father! Nonetheless it’s onerous to spend this joyous day with out the person of the day,” his son, Willington Waithaka, wrote on Fb.
“All of us thanks for the continual assist and love we now have gotten by these powerful days.”
Lately, Willington shared a heartbreaking message about his dad’s disappearance with CNN.
He instructed CNN, “Generally I remorse why I requested my mother and father to come back for my son’s commencement. I discover myself questioning, ‘What would I’ve carried out otherwise?
“Possibly if I hadn’t invited them, my dad would nonetheless be with us.”
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