Githaiga Wa Chai says Pastor Jimmy’s tree-hugging feat is a source of embarrassment
By Steve Ireri, January 5, 2026Controversy has continued to swirl around Pastor Jimmy Irungu following his 80-hour tree-hugging challenge, with outspoken commentator Githaiga Wa Chai questioning the rationale behind the stunt.
Speaking about the preacher’s ongoing feat in a TikTok live on Monday, January 5, 2026, Githaiga argued that, as a key leader in Bishop Ben Kiengei’s JCM ministry, Pastor Jimmy could have pursued more practical income-generating activities instead of undertaking such an elusive and physically demanding challenge.
“An 80-hour challenge is not a joke, and this is exactly how people end up embarrassing their pastor,” Githaiga commented.
According to Githaiga, options such as selling fruits on the streets or conducting church roadshows would have been far more productive and less likely to draw embarrassment to their senior pastor, Bishop Ben Kiengei.
“Let him go to church and be given a wheelbarrow, sell melons and hawk them, or go on a ministry roadshow. 80 hours is not a joke, and that is just how people embarrass their pastor, Bishop Ben Kiengei,” Githaiga shared.
Elusive feat
Pastor Jimmy commenced the 80-hour tree-hugging challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with the aim of raising awareness about cancer.
“Today, I am going to be embarking on an 80-hour challenge to raise awareness about cancer. Cancer has become a tragedy. I know that even the viewers know of someone, even in their family, who might have been affected by cancer,” he said.
The clergyman, who serves under the JCM ministry founded by Bishop Ben Kiengei, called on both the government and private sector players to recognise cancer as a major public health emergency demanding immediate action, better medical support, and continuous public sensitisation.
He further emphasised the connection between environmental safety and cancer prevention, cautioning against the use of chemically treated animal feeds and contaminated food products.
“It is my appeal to the government and relevant private institutions to rise and fight against this illness. The reason why I have decided to hug a tree, which many people have been criticising me for saying it was Truphena’s idea and which is actually true, is this. This is to show you that if we can be mindful and take care of what surrounds us, then we can fight cancer. For example, when you feed your cow feed that has chemicals, and then the butcher sells that meat to you later, these chemicals can cause cancer. If we take care of what is around us, then that can be the start of fighting cancer. Let us fight this cancer together,” he said during an interview with Kikuyu YouTuber Paxson Chege Ngunya.