Enough! Kenyans react as Kirinyaga man launches another tree-hugging challenge
By Steve Ireri, January 11, 2026Mixed reactions have greeted the launch of a 52-hour tree-hugging challenge by Josephat Ndegwa, as Kenyans question whether the growing wave of similar endurance acts, following campaigns by Pastor Jimmy Irungu, is diluting the impact of the movement first popularised by Truphena Muthoni.
The man, who is undertaking the challenge from Mwea in Kirinyaga County, is carrying out the endurance act while dressed in a sackcloth covered with handwritten messages explaining the motivation behind his decision.
By the time a video of his challenge began circulating on TikTok, Ndegwa had already completed four hours of the 52-hour feat, drawing reactions ranging from praise and support to fatigue and criticism from members of the public.
In the video, Ndegwa is seen firmly embracing the tree as onlookers gather nearby, while the writing on his sackcloth outlines what he says are deeply personal and national concerns.
According to the statement written on the sack, Ndegwa says he is undertaking the challenge to create awareness about the boy child, whom he believes is increasingly being neglected in society.
“I am doing this challenge to create awareness for the boy child and for depression,” the message reads.
He further states that Kenya is failing the boy child, adding that boys deserve a dignified future just as much as their female counterparts.
According to the statement, Ndegwa also aims to highlight the seriousness of depression, describing it as a real illness with real symptoms that should not be ignored or dismissed.
“Depression is a real illness with real symptoms,” he wrote, urging Kenyans to take mental health more seriously, especially among young men.
Kenyans’ reactions
Kenyans reacted to Ndegwa’s challenge with mixed feelings, and while some questioned whether he had a hidden agenda behind the stunt, others warned that going long hours without urinating could lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other health risks.
At the same time, some Kenyans treated the challenge with humour and curiosity, encouraging him to push through, while others suggested that such tree-hugging feats should be seasonal rather than a recurring spectacle.
Here are some of the comments:
@Paula Mubia said: “Huyu anataka aje na yy.”
@Spwunchur said: “Tutakusupport adi ufaint😁.”
@obed kamara said: “A man can typically hold urine for 3 to 5 hours, but urinating every 3-4 hours is recommended for bladder health, as holding it too long can risk UTIs.”
@Fullah wan said: “Hizo ni gani…arf tunampeleka nice.”
@#patrick said: “This tree-hugging should be seasonal, not perennial. people should come up with a timeframe of when they should be doing it.”
Viral challenge
The Mwea initiative follows a series of high-profile tree-hugging campaigns that have captured national attention in recent months.
Her efforts earned widespread recognition from environmental groups and the wider public.
Stephen Gachanja, another Kenyan participant, commenced his campaign on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, aiming to hug a tree for a total of 50 hours.
He completed the challenge on Friday, January 9, 2025, with his parents present to provide support as he endured the physical and mental strain of the effort.
Gachanja abstained from food and drink throughout the period and maintained his commitment to complete the full duration, noting that public encouragement had been instrumental in sustaining his resolve.
The ex-JCM pastor, who is also a gospel singer, highlighted the financial and emotional burden that cancer places on families and urged both government and private sector stakeholders to prioritise cancer prevention and treatment.