A Nairobi family is appealing to Kenyans in the United States to help them trace their son, Paul Muiruri Ngigi, also known as Paul M. Ngigi Kiggo, who has not been in contact with them for more than two decades.
When did Paul leave Kenya?
Paul, now believed to be 52 years old, left Kenya in 2001 to pursue a Master’s degree in California after completing his undergraduate studies at USIU in Nairobi.
For a brief period after arriving in the US, he stayed in touch with his family back home in Buruburu, Nairobi. That communication dried up around 2003, and the family has had no confirmed word from him since.
His last known address in the United States was 5057 Klump Ave, Apartment 12, North Hollywood, California 91601.
Paul’s family unsure of son was involved in road accident
Over the years, fragments of information have reached the family, though none have been conclusively verified.
One account suggested Paul may have been involved in an accident in which someone was hurt, and that he was later imprisoned as a result.
The family has never been able to confirm these details or establish his current location.
Paul Muiruri Ngigi in two criminal cases
A 2010 report in the San Francisco Chronicle mentioned a man named Paul Ngigi receiving assistance at St. Anthony’s, a social services centre in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighbourhood, where he was reportedly staying at a shelter at the time.
Whether that individual was the same Paul Muiruri Ngigi has not been established.
San Francisco Superior Court records also list the full name Paul Muiruri Ngigi in two criminal cases, numbered 18018794 and 18018953.
Paul’s matter taken to court with public defender
Both matters were still before the court as recently as November 2022, with a public defender named Roberto Evangelista on record.
However, no independent confirmation has been made linking these court records to the missing Kenyan, and the nature of the charges has not been determined.
Peter Njenga shared the appeal on Facebook on September 11, 2026, describing the toll the disappearance has taken on Paul’s elderly parents.
Paul’s family appeals to Kenyans living in Los Angeles, San Francisco
His mother is currently admitted to hospital, while his father continues to hold out hope for answers after more than two decades of uncertainty.
The family has stated they are financially prepared to facilitate Paul’s return to Kenya should he be found and wish to come home.
They are particularly appealing to Kenyans living in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as anyone who may have crossed paths with Paul during his years in the United States, to come forward with any credible information that could help the family finally get answers.
