W@ssup

After leading an exhilarating mountaineering expedition on Mt Kenya to raise funds to improve the hiking trails as well as sanitation facilities of the mountain, Brig John Waweru, Director General Kenya Wildlife Service, walked on the side of caution by opting for an air evacuation with an inflamed knee.

Having covered, in the company of CS Balala and sponsors, a gruelling 22-kilometre trek from Chogoria Gate to Chogoria Special Campsite, through Lake Ellis, and onto the stunning Lake Michealson marked by extreme elevation gains from 2,950 metres at Chogoria Special Camp to the 4,200 height Temple Walls overlooking the volcanic Lake Michealson lake, the DG experienced first-hand the importance of improving the hiking trails, which is part of the mission he was on.

According to Lameck Naliali, the expedition physiotherapist who recommended the precautionary evacuation, the DG suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear while descending an excruciating 300 metres through the rocky Temple Route into the stunning volcanic Lake Michealson.

“I link this inflammation to hereditary rheumatoid arthritis condition that the DG suffers that was exacerbated by the steep descent which necessitated an MRI scan to be performed for confirmation,” the doctor explained

After enjoying a hearty breakfast matched by good cheer the DG bid farewell and good luck to the team led by CS Balala that will summit Point Lenana peak on Tuesday morning.

“This has been an eye-opening expedition that has revealed the true potential of Mt Kenya National Park and Reserve ecosystem. I have been taken in by the sheer beauty of the iconic mountain our nation is named after marked by peaks, glaciers, ridges, valleys, and at least 30 lakes and tarns. Expect to see heightened marketing activity around the mountain even as we double our conservation efforts and sanitation facilities upgrade. While I will not make the summit this time, I will definitely be back for a second stab. I wish the team well and look forward to receiving them at the base of the mountain,” Brig Waweru promised.

Hiking can be an extreme sport, but still with fewer incidents than driving, and expedition planner Julian Wright of African Ascent highlighted the importance of speedy evacuation measures such as that witnessed today.  High-altitude evacuation is possible on Mt Kenya and hikers are encouraged to accommodate it in their plans.