As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death of a local climber on Mount Kenya, new details have emerged about the victim’s troubled past and deteriorating mental state in the months before his death.
The body of the climber, identified by neighbors as Macharia, was discovered on the mountain last week.
An official postmortem examination concluded that he died from strangulation, though questions remain about the exact circumstances of his death.
A neighbor who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that Macharia had been struggling with his mental health since August of last year.
 “He had been talking to other climbers about his intentions,” the neighbor said.
 “Many thought it was just talk, but now we realize how serious it was.”
The tragedy appears to be the latest in a series of losses for the family.
 According to local residents, Macharia’s brother, also a climber, died on Mount Kenya in 2020 after falling from cliffs during an expedition when critical climbing equipment was inadvertently left behind.
“The family has endured so much,” said another community member.
 “His mother died over fifteen years ago, and his father passed away in 2022, shortly after remarrying.”
Neighbors also described a violent family conflict that preceded the father’s death, though details remain unclear.
Some in the community have spoken of a “curse” on the family given the succession of tragedies.
Fellow climbers who knew Macharia said his behavior had become increasingly erratic in recent months, with several recalling conversations in which he expressed dark thoughts.
The case has raised difficult questions about mental health support systems and the responsibilities of climbing groups when members show signs of distress.
 Investigators are still working to locate and interview other members of the expedition that was with Macharia during his final days on the mountain.
Mental health advocates are urging anyone experiencing similar struggles to seek professional help immediately.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please contact local crisis support services or mental health professionals.
