A family in Nairobi is seeking assistance in locating 76-year-old George Gathogo, who went missing during the National Prayer Day event held at the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru on Saturday, October 5.

Gathogo, a member of the St. André Bessette church in Nairobi’s Dandora phase II, was part of the group that travelled on October 4, for the eventful occasion only to be reported missing by his caregiver, who is a pharmacist and family friend, between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm, the next day.

“My father was part of a church group that had travelled from Nairobi for the National Prayer Day on Friday, but unfortunately, while prayers were continuing, he left his caregiver without notifying him, and no one has seen him since then,” Dominic Gathogo, his son, reports.

According to fellow church members, Gathogo was noticed missing between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, shortly after the conclusion of a mass service. The group realized his absence as they prepared to board their bus for the return journey to Nairobi.

"According to the account of the rest of the church members, after they noticed he was missing, they searched for him for about 3-4 hours before reporting the matter to Subukia police station and checking the Subukia General Hospital," says Dominic.

The incident was also reported to the shrine's administration.

Dominic says that his father was dressed in a brown coat, navy blue trousers, a light green shirt (similar to the one in his picture), and a brownish sweater and notes that this is his father’s first time in Nakuru and that he has no relatives here who could help in his search.

The family was notified of Gathogo's disappearance at 11 p.m. on the same day after the church group returned to Nairobi.

“We came back to Nakuru on the Sunday of and reported the matter again to Subukia police station after it was also reported to them by members of the church, and have been notified that the case has been forwarded to other stations. We are waiting for police feedback,” Dominic says.

We asked if there was a way to reach him, to which Dominic noted that his dad had his mobile phone with an Airtel line with him.

“We weren't expecting the phone’s battery to last that long, especially after everyone was frantically calling him with the volume likely set too high,” Dominic explains. “However, after a while, the phone went off and has remained unreachable.”

As of now, the family has searched for him at Nakuru PGH, and other private hospitals within the periphery of Subukia, parts of Bahati sub-county, and as far as Nyahururu sub-county.

The family's concern is heightened by Gathogo's medical needs, adding urgency to the search efforts. He has hypertension and diabetes, which have hindered his ability to administer medicine by himself.

According to Dominic, the pharmacist reportedly administered Gathogo's morning dose before he wandered off. While he may have had his evening dose in his pocket, his family is unsure whether he took this medication or not.

"We're worried sick about our father," Dominic says worriedly. "He is ill and is unsure if he was able to take his medication and lacked subsequent medication thereof. We urge anyone who might have seen him to contact the authorities immediately."

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of George Gathogo, please get in touch with the Subukia Police Station or your nearest police post immediately. Alternatively, call 0723752513 or 0720223952.

Family looking for 76-year-old who went missing at Subukia shrine

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Leleti Jassor