TRIBUTES have been paid to a British climber and her guide who died on Mount Kenya.
Shilpa Shah was with all-female group of climbers who were descending after reaching the summit of Point Lanana – the third highest peak on Mount Kenya, itself the second highest mountain in Africa at 5,199 metres. Mount Kilimanjaro – 5,895m – is Africa’s highest.
It is understood the 60-year-old lost her footing on ice and began slipping before her Kenyan guide, named as Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, attempted to save her. The pair fell to their deaths on the Naro Moru route between the peak and the Austrian Hut.
Mr Mwithi, who recently became a father, was described as a ‘joyful soul’ by friends who paid tribute to the skilled mountaineer.
“My friend has rested. Our hearts are broken,” said Robert Kamura.
“May his soul transition to the afterlife peacefully. May his selflessness inspire us to live fully, dedicating our lives to the service of humanity.
“Kevin, a renowned Mount Kenya guide, passed away on while assisting a hiker on a slippery slope. Both slid down the ridge and perished.
“Our prayers go out to both families during this difficult time of mourning and beyond. Go well, Kevin. Continue smiling gracefully in the afterlife.”
After three attempts, rescue teams recovered the remains of both climbers, and Ms Shah will be repatriated to the UK in the next few days.
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Tributes have been been paid to Ms Shah, through a memorial page.
The mother-of-one was described as “a beautiful soul with a radiant smile” who “never failed to put the family at ease”.
“She gave everything to all without expecting anything in return and will be deeply missed. She enjoyed the great outdoors and was an inspiration to all her family and friends,” the memorial continued.
“Shilpa was one of a kind, whose passing will leave an everlasting hole in our lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
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