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Another Kenyan launches tree-hugging challenge after Pastor Jimmy and Truphena
09th January, 2026 01:21 AM
Another Kenyan has launched his own tree-hugging challenge, drawing inspiration from the high-profile attempts by Pastor Jimmy Irungu and environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, whose recent campaigns captured national attention.
Speaking about his ongoing effort in a TikTok video on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Kenyan, Stephen Gachanja, revealed that he began hugging the tree on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and that he is aiming to remain rooted for a total of 50 hours.
“My name is Stephen Gachanja. I began hugging the tree yesterday, and I am aiming to do 50 hours. I am now 16 hours into the feat,” he said.
He disclosed that by the time of speaking, he was already 16 hours into the challenge and noted that his parents had been present, offering him support as he pushed through the physically demanding feat.
“And my parents have been here helping me,” he shared.
Gachanja described the experience as tough and mentally draining, but maintained that he was still going strong despite the discomfort.
He shared that members of the public have been encouraging him as the hours tick by, although he admitted that he is unsure whether the challenge will attract viral attention online.
“The experience has been tough, but I am still going. People are encouraging me, but about going viral, I do not know yet,” he said.
He further revealed that he is not eating or drinking for the entire 50-hour period, adding that he does not intend to take in any food or fluids until the challenge is complete, and pointed out that he still had nearly 34 hours remaining at the time.
“I am not eating or drinking for the 50 hours, and I do not plan to do either. Now, there are almost 34 hours to go,” he shared.
His challenge comes in the wake of Pastor Jimmy Irungu’s widely publicised 80-hour tree-hugging campaign, which ended dramatically after the preacher collapsed during the 79th hour and was rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for medical attention.
Pastor Jimmy had begun the endurance challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about cancer, which he described as a growing tragedy affecting countless Kenyan families.
In several interviews during the challenge, the pastor, who is also a gospel singer, explained that his motivation was driven by the rising number of cancer cases across the country and the financial strain they place on households seeking treatment, sometimes even forcing families to travel abroad.
He also used the platform to appeal to both government and private sector players to treat cancer as a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention and sustained sensitisation.
“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.
The renewed interest in tree-hugging activism also follows the remarkable achievements of Truphena Muthoni, who in December 2025 successfully completed a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County, breaking her own previous record.
The 22-year-old environmental activist has consistently used her endurance challenges to spotlight environmental conservation, climate change, and mental health awareness, earning national recognition and praise from environmental groups.
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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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