Name: Reuben Barua Waithaka
Age: 72 years old
Last Seen: May 15, 2025
Location: Calera, Alabama
Status: Still missing
Case Information
72 year old Reuben Waithaka was last seen in Calera, Alabama on May 15, 2025. He was last seen in the Timberline subdivision wearing a blue and white plaid shirt and khaki pants.
Disappearance
At 11:00 am on May 15, 2025, Rueben Waithaka was last seen in the area of Merion Drive in Calera, Alabama. He was wearing a blue and white plaid button up shirt and khaki pants.
Reuben is in Alabama with his wife, visiting from Kenya to celebrate his grandson’s high school graduation.
Authorities say he could be living with a condition that impairs his judgment. His family says he hasn’t been officially diagnosed with dementia, but that he seemed confused and may be trying to find his way back to Kenya.
Investigation
Searches have been conducted in a large wooded area off Highway 25 with the help of helicopters, drones, and K9s, but no further clues as to his whereabouts have been found.
Calera Police put out an alert saying they were looking for the owner of a dark colored Jeep Grand Cherokee who had contact with Reuben on Highway 25 in Calera.
The owner of the vehicle has since been identified, and says they gave him a ride to the Chevron had station near the entrance of Timberline subdivision. Police reviewed surveillance footage and were able to see Reuben entering the gas station.
Authorities say at least one other person has given him a ride. On May 17, 2025, they received a tip that he was seen in Cullman, an hour away from Calera.
Appearance
Waithaka is described as a black male with brown eyes and black hair. He is 5’0 in height and weighs around 165 pounds.
Clothing & Accessories:
Reuben was last seen wearing a blue and white button up plaid shirt and khaki pants.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Reuben please contact the Calera Police Department at (205) 668-3505.
Resources & Further Information
Calera Police Looking For Missing 72 Year Old Man – WBRC
Detectives Follow Tip on Missing Calera Man Seen in Cullman, Seek More Public Help – ABC 33/40
Authorities Look For Missing Man Visiting Calera from Kenya Who May Have Been Given Ride – WVTM
Calera Family Praying For Safe Return of Missing Grandfather as Search Efforts Continue – CBS 42
Leave a Reply