MURANG’A, Kenya — A marathon tree-hugging challenge intended to raise awareness about cancer and environmental conservation in Kenya nearly ended in tragedy after James Irungu collapsed during his bid to surpass a regional record.
Irungu, 30, had set out to break the 72-hour tree-hugging benchmark set by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, aiming to complete an 80-hour endurance challenge in Murang’a town. He collapsed at approximately 4:30am on Thursday, after recording 79 hours and 40 minutes, just one hour short of his goal.
Medics attending to Irungu at Murang’a Level Five Hospital said he is now under 24-hour observation after his kidneys failed, and cautioned others contemplating similar feats to undergo medical checks beforehand.
Irungu embarked on the challenge on January 5, 2026, at the town’s Central Business District, drawing large crowds and online attention as he extended his effort beyond Muthoni’s yet-to-be-verified 72-hour record.
Murang’a County Health Chief Officer Eliud Maina reassured the public that Irungu was receiving appropriate care.
“Mr Irungu is here with us at Murang’a Level Five Hospital and is being attended to. Let us all hope for the best for our hero,” Mr Maina said.
In a subsequent update at 10:00am on Thursday, Mr Maina offered a more encouraging assessment: Irungu was stable, conscious and even posing for photographs with supporters.
“Mr Irungu is up, has regained consciousness and is now in a photo session with partners and fans,” he announced, adding that the activist was being treated for dizziness, fatigue, irritability and general weakness.
Record verification and context
The process of securing an official Guinness World Record involves an official declaration of intent online, strict adherence to guidelines during the attempt, and submission of evidence, including videos, photos and witness statements — for verification.
Ms Muthoni, 23, first captured global attention by hugging a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park between January 31 and February 2, 2025. That achievement was confirmed as a Guinness World Record on December 12, 2025.
She later returned to break her own record, recording 72 hours in Nyeri on December 11, 2025. As of late January 2026, Muthoni’s 72-hour outcome is still undergoing the formal ratification process.
Irungu had publicly declared his ambition to surpass her feat, stating that “records are set to be broken”, and saying he wanted to use the platform to highlight cancer and environmental causes.
“My chief objective is to create awareness through my foundation against the nightmare of cancer, and later launch a tree-planting drive targeting one million seedlings,” he said.
Irungu also shared the personal motivation behind his campaign, revealing that the loss of a close family member to cancer had profoundly affected him.
“It was like a blow below the belt. That pain pushed me to declare war against the disease,” he said.
A former preacher with Jesus Compassionate Ministry, Irungu generated widespread attention when he arrived in Murang’a, declared his intentions and embraced a tree as the clock began ticking.
Public reaction and support
At first, some dismissed Irungu’s attempt as a publicity stunt, with online critics branding him a copycat. However, after he passed the 24-hour mark, public perception shifted, and momentum built behind his campaign.
Social media content creators from the Mt Kenya region converged on the site, amplifying the event online. Murang’a’s political and social elite also paid visits, offering encouragement and support.
Record-setting peer Truphena Muthoni herself visited the venue during the attempt to lend moral support.
“I am here to stand with my brother and wish him stamina, blessings and victory. We are not competitors, we are partners in humanity,” she said.
Government and community engagement
The Murang’a County Security Committee deployed officers to secure the site while county government officials stationed ambulances and medical staff on standby. The Kenya Forest Service also sent an officer to safeguard the tree at the centre of the marathon attempt.
The challenge drew diverse support, from corporate entities to political figures. Real estate companies pledged land and housing to Irungu in recognition of the attention he brought to Murang’a.
Also Read: Ruto appoints tree-hugging world record holder Truphena Muthoni tree planting ambassador
County officials used the moment to highlight what they described as a “transformative health agenda” under Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
Educators and businesses also capitalised on the event, using the gathering to engage with the community and promote their services.
Political endorsements and light-hearted moments
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri said President William Ruto was monitoring the initiative, and joked about the endurance trend spreading across the region.
“At this rate, Mt Kenya’s resilience is evident. The tree-hugging marathon record is now being pursued in Nyeri and Murang’a. In Laikipia, we might hug an acacia tree for the record,” Mr Kiunjuri quipped.
He also pledged personal support to Irungu, lauding him for “dreaming big” and suggested that his efforts had “already taken [him] to Singapore,” a reference to previous international recognition of Kenyan record-breakers.
County Commissioner Hassan Bule commended security teams for their role in ensuring the safety of both Irungu and the large crowds that gathered throughout the challenge.
