MURANG’A, Kenya — A Kenyan pastor seeking to set a new endurance benchmark while raising awareness about cancer was rushed to hospital after collapsing just minutes short of completing an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge in Murang’a town.
Pastor James Irungu, 30, lost consciousness after recording 79 hours and 40 minutes of continuous contact with a tree, narrowly missing his target of 80 hours in an attempt to surpass the regional record held by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni.
Spectators and volunteers at the site quickly intervened, and Irungu was transported for medical care. County officials later confirmed that his condition was stable.
“Pastor Jimmy Irungu is currently at Muranga Level Five Hospital where he is having some checkup. His vital organs are okay it just a matter of fatigue and he is now getting good check up from our team of medics,” said Murang’a County Youth Affairs CEC Manoah Gachucha.
“He is very okay and stable, his pressure and diagnostics shows that he is okay and the doctors said in a few hours he will be out.”
A town rallies behind a cause
The challenge, which began on Sunday and was scheduled to conclude early Thursday morning at 5.27am, attracted large crowds throughout the week.
Supporters, artists and activists gathered in Murang’a town, transforming the endurance feat into a community campaign for improved cancer awareness and access to treatment.
Celebrations erupted when Irungu surpassed 72 hours, overtaking Muthoni’s regional record achieved in Nyeri.
Muthoni’s earlier 48-hour tree-hugging marathon has already been recognised, while her 72-hour performance is currently under review by Guinness World Records.
Social media influencers, political leaders and local residents from neighbouring counties travelled to Murang’a to witness the historic attempt, boosting both morale and local commerce.
Calls for better cancer care
As the vigil unfolded, many Kenyans used the moment to amplify demands for affordable cancer treatment and expanded screening services, particularly in rural communities.
Radio personality Essie Wa Mahatha, who joined the crowd, spoke emotionally about her own losses.
“This is a major sacrifice for a youth to push his body that far to send a message that this disease needs more attention,” she said.
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Murang’a Township MCA Charles Karina said the event had elevated the county’s profile while stimulating business in the town.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that a team of medical professionals had been deployed to monitor Irungu’s health.
“After his full recovery, we look forward to engaging him on ways his ideas can support our fight against cancer,” the governor said.
Personal motivation
Irungu’s brother, John Irungu, admitted he initially doubted the challenge.
“This is not easy. There’s a time I tried to fast in prayer but was looking for the nearest hotel by the end of the day.”
The pastor later explained that his campaign was inspired by the struggles he had witnessed among church members battling cancer.
He described the disease as “a silent epidemic wreaking havoc in many households in the country.”
Despite falling short of the 80-hour mark, Irungu’s effort has already achieved its wider goal: igniting a national conversation on cancer prevention, treatment and community support.
