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Mugithi singer Eli Jay steps in to keep Pastor Jimmy warm during 80-hour tree-hugging challenge
05th January, 2026 03:58 PM
Mugithi singer Eli Jay has publicly shown support for Pastor Jimmy Irungu after cold weather set in during the pastor’s ongoing 80-hour tree-hugging challenge.
While sharing photos from the scene on Monday, January 5, 2026, Eli Jay explained that he visited the pastor at night after temperatures dropped significantly.
He said the weather had become extremely cold, prompting him to ensure that Pastor Jimmy was properly dressed to withstand the harsh nighttime conditions.
“Came to dress him warm, for the night is cold as hell,” he wrote.
In the images, the singer is seen covering the pastor with a heavy jacket lined with fur, offering extra warmth as he continued with the endurance challenge outdoors.
Eli Jay further noted that the pastor was still in the early stages of the challenge at the time of his visit, with 74 hours remaining.
He encouraged him to remain strong and continue pushing forward despite the difficult conditions, describing the gesture as one of brotherly support.
“Keep going, my brother. Pst Jimmy, 74 hours remaining,” he added.
Elusive challenge
The preacher, who is also a gospel singer, said he was motivated by the growing number of cancer cases affecting Kenyan families and communities.
“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.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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