How Chinese tourist fell to his death after conquering Mt Kenya peak
A file photo of the Meru Law Courts.
What you need to know:
- Tour guides told Resident Magistrate Maureen Odhiambo that Mr Fang Wanchao had conquered the uppermost point of Kenya's highest mountain before he slipped and fell while descending.
- A team led by Corporal Laban Wanjohi, attached to the Mt Kenya National Park and based at Sirimon Gate, collected the body by air three days later.
- Buuri divisional police commander (OCPD) David Mwange, the then Buuri DCIO Samuel Yagan and five other police officers visited the scene.
A Meru magistrate’s court Tuesday heard how a Chinese tourist fell off a 60-metre cliff to his death, moments after ascending to Batian peak, the highest point of Mt Kenya, three years ago.
Tour guides told Resident Magistrate Maureen Odhiambo that Mr Fang Wanchao had conquered the uppermost point of Kenya's highest mountain before he slipped and fell while descending.
Testifying in the inquest into the death, rock climbing guide David Mungai recounted their joy on reaching the summit at noon on September 24, 2017 after a pulsating seven hours.
As the two mountaineers savoured the summit which is 5,199 metres high, while taking photos, the weather became unbearable, forcing them to descend.
However, as they climbed down the rocky peak, the 33-year old tourist missed a step, fell off the cliff and died at the scene.
Three-day mission
Mr Mungai said they had been rappelling down using ropes.
Though overcome with grief and loss, Mr Mungai said he looked at the body and saw multiple injuries.
The guide informed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel and his colleagues who had been waiting at Shipton but was advised to leave the body behind.
A team led by Corporal Laban Wanjohi, attached to the Mt Kenya National Park and based at Sirimon Gate, collected the body by air three days later.
Mr Wanjohi said he mobilised the team and that it took them three days to reach the scene.
Guide Peterson Maina said his mandate was to get the tourist to Shipton camp, from where Mr Mungai took over.
He and others learnt of Fang’s death at around 8pm, when Mr Mungai arrived and informed his colleagues what had transpired.
The witness said he saw the body of the Hong Kong resident five days later when it was cremated at Nanyuki African cemetery.
The incident was reported at Timau Police Station on September 24.
Buuri divisional police commander (OCPD) David Mwange, the then Buuri DCIO Samuel Yagan and five other police officers visited the scene.
The magistrate adjourned the hearing to September 14, when the three remaining prosecution witnesses will testify.
