Share this @internewscast.com

A FAMILY is desperate for answers after their grandpa traveled 18 hours to attend his grandson’s graduation — but then disappeared.

It’s been nearly two months since Reuben Waithaka, 73, walked out of his son’s house and vanished on May 15.

Portrait of Reuben Waithaka.
Reuben Waithaka, 73, who was last seen on May 15, 2025Credit: Facebook/ Willy Waithaka
A graduate in cap and gown poses with family.
Waithaka’s grandson, Byron, and his family members before his high school graduationCredit: Facebook/Mary Ngigi Waithaka
Missing person poster for Reuben Wanthaka in Calera, Shelby County.
A missing person poster urging the public to keep an eye out for Reuben WaithakaCredit: ABC 33/40

Before disappearing, Waithaka and his wife, Elizabeth, journeyed over 8,000 miles from Kenya to celebrate their first grandson’s high school graduation in Alabama.

The morning after they arrived, Waithaka left the family home in Calera, about 30 miles south of Birmingham, at around 11 am.

He hasn’t been seen since.

The doting grandfather missed his grandson’s graduation, which occurred just six days after he disappeared.

“He just got here. And then he was gone,” Waithaka’s grandson, Byron, told CNN.

The doting grandpa was planning on attending the graduation and even packed sentimental gifts to celebrate the occasion.

Pictures of his son at a young age and matching shirts for his son, grandson, and himself were tucked into his suitcase, CNN reported.

His family was seen gathered together in pictures of the graduation as they spoke about the concerning situation in social media posts.

Mary Ngigi Waithaka, Waithaka’s daughter-in-law, shared on Facebook, “Even as our family deals with the anxiety and unknown surrounding my father-in-law’s disappearance this past week, I believe he would want us to honor this remarkable milestone.”

MORNING OF MAY 15

Elizabeth said that on the morning he went missing, Waithaka stepped out of the house and seemed confused, according to CBS affiliate WIAT.

She followed her husband at first, but returned to lock the doors of the house.

When she tried to catch up with him, he was already out of sight.

Timeline of disappearance

The search for Reuben Waithaka has lasted seven weeks as his family is desperate for answers. Below is a timeline of his disappearance:

May 14 – Reuben Waithaka and his wife, Elizabeth, arrive in Calera, Alabama, after 18 hours of flying from Kenya.

May 15 – Reuben leaves his son’s residence around 11 am, dressed in khaki pants and a plaid shirt. An hour later, he’s spotted two miles away at a gas station. Authorities later confirmed he received a lift to the station.

May 21 – Reuben’s grandson graduates from high school without Reuben in attendance.

June 3 – Reuben’s family celebrates his 73rd birthday without him.

‘CONFUSED’ STATE

Emily Ann Balua, Waithaka’s daughter, said the patriarch had appeared to be confused about where he was since they arrived in the US, according to NBC affiliate WVTM.

The family said Waithaka might be trying to return to Kenya.

“So, if he asks you to take him to a city, especially to Kamboni, that is where he’s from,” Balua said.

Waithaka was given at least two rides after he left his family’s home, according to the Calera Police Department.

Reuben Waithaka’s grandson, Byron, speaking to WIAT about his grandpa’s disappearanceCredit: WIAT
Two women being interviewed about the search for Reuben Waithaka.
(Left to right) Reuben Waithaka’s wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, EmilyCredit: WIAT

One of the rides was to a Chevron gas station about two miles away from his son’s home.

Surveillance footage from the gas station showed Waithaka walking with his hands behind his back at around 11:48 am.

He waved at the store attendant before walking to a restroom, according to CNN.

Waithaka then left through the back door of the store and hasn’t been seen since.

CPD hasn’t returned The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.

In May, Waithaka’s family urged anyone who sees the missing grandpa to call the police instead of giving him a ride.

“We don’t want him to go any farther,” Balua told WIAT at the time.

She told WVTM, “We’re hoping that if he approaches you for a ride, please don’t give him a ride. Distract him and call the police.”

Waithaka’s family said he hasn’t been diagnosed with any disease that would impair his thinking.

FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK

On June 3, Waithaka turned 73 and wasn’t with his family to celebrate.

“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 on Facebook.

“We all thank you for the continuous support and love we have gotten through these tough days.”

Recently, Willington shared a heartbreaking message about his dad’s disappearance with CNN.

He told 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.”

Two women being interviewed about a missing person.
(Left to right) Reuben Waithaka’s granddaughter, Elaine Westry, and Balua speaking to WVTM about Waithaka’s disappearanceCredit: WVTM
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Zoo staff member petting a lion through a fence.

Teacher Injured in Lion Attack Revealed as Sister of Zoo Owners in Video Showing Keeper Embracing the Animal

A TEACHER who lost her arm in a lion attack has been…
Grief-stricken mother demands 911 dispatcher reform

Heartbroken Mother Calls for Overhaul of 911 Dispatcher System

Cheryl Collins called 911, pleading for assistance to save her daughter’s life.…
‘Below Deck’ Star Damo Yörg Gushes Over Steamy Kiss With Fraser Olender: “He’s An Absolute Babe”

‘Below Deck’ Star Damo Yörg Excitedly Talks About Passionate Kiss With Fraser Olender: “He’s Such a Heartthrob”

Damo Yörg has had “a lot of dudes” in his DMs ever…
Professed shooter in Jared Bridegan murder case gets new attorney

Alleged Gunman in Jared Bridegan Case Appoints New Lawyer

In 2023, Tenon admitted to being the gunman in Bridegan’s murder. The…
10 people charged for 'organized attack' on ICE agents, cop after military-style ambush: DOJ

Ten Individuals Accused of ‘Organized Assault’ on ICE Agents and Police Officer Following Military-Style Ambush: DOJ

Ten individuals from an armed mob accused of attacking an ICE detention…
Bhagavan Antle leaving a courthouse after pleading guilty to illegally trafficking animals.

“Star of ‘Tiger King’ Imprisoned for Illegal Wildlife Trade and Money Laundering”

TIGER King star Bhagavan “Doc” Antle has been jailed for trafficking exotic…
Camp Shaw in Manteno, Illinois: Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See talks safety protocols near Rock Creek amid Texas flooding at Camp Mystic

Camp Shaw in Manteno, Illinois: Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See Discusses Safety Measures Near Rock Creek in Light of Texas Flooding at Camp Mystic

MANTENO, Ill. (WLS) — As search and rescue efforts continue in Texas,…
Texas RV park owner banged on doors as water rose, family was swept away

Texas RV Park Owner Warned Residents as Rising Waters Swept Away a Family

The owner of a Texas Hill Country RV park and restaurant is…
Belgium's King Albert, 91, undergoes cancer treatment for sixth time

King Albert of Belgium, 91, Receives Cancer Treatment for the Sixth Time

King Albert II of Belgium has kickstarted cancer treatment for the sixth…
NYC DJ Reda Briki, 52, found dead on houseboat in Queens: sources

NYC DJ Reda Briki, 52, Discovered Dead on Queens Houseboat: Sources

A popular Big Apple DJ who mysteriously vanished three weeks ago has…
Supreme Court blocks Trump from restarting Alien Enemies Act deportations

The Supreme Court paves the way for Trump’s efforts to reduce the number of federal employees.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the green light to President Donald…
Jacksonville drug bust seizes fentanyl for 600,000 doses

Jacksonville Authorities Confiscate Enough Fentanyl for 600,000 Dosages

Jacksonville authorities dismantled a drug house near Downtown, seizing enough fentanyl to…