Mosiria urges authorities to intervene as tree-hugging challenge gains momentum
Nairobi’s Citizen Engagement and Customer Service CEC Geoffrey Mosiria has called on authorities to urgently intervene as the tree-hugging challenge continues to gain momentum across the country.
In a statement shared on his official social media accounts on Sunday, January 11, 2026, he warned that while environmental conservation is important, the current form of the challenge poses serious health risks to participants.
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Mosiria noted that some individuals are pushing their bodies beyond safe limits in the name of endurance, with cases emerging where the challenge is being exploited for financial gain.
He urged relevant agencies to step in and regulate the activity.
“I urge authorities to intervene, especially where the challenge is being exploited for financial gain, “Mosiria urged.
Health risks
In addition, Mosiria further stated that after consulting with experts on the challenge, it is clear that not everyone is physically fit to endure prolonged standing without rest.
He noted that medical professionals caution that staying in one position for long periods without food, water, or movement can result in severe exhaustion, low blood sugar, dehydration, poor circulation, muscle damage, and even collapse.
“After consulting with experts on this tree-hugging challenge, including those whom I have personally supported,I have noted that not everyone is fit for such extreme endurance,” he noted.
“Medical professionals warn that prolonged standing without food, rest, or movement can lead to severe exhaustion, low blood sugar, dehydration, poor circulation, muscle damage, and even collapse.”
However, he added that anyone attempting it should first undergo thorough medical checkups and be placed under strict supervision.
“I therefore strongly call for the immediate stoppage of this challenge in its current form. Anyone attempting it must first undergo thorough medical checkups and ensure strict supervision. Conservation efforts must protect both the environment and human life,” Mosiria stated.
Alternative challenge
He also encouraged the public to adopt safer and more sustainable methods for protecting the environment. These include tree planting, environmental clean-up exercises, and symbolic tree-hugging done in shifts rather than extreme endurance stunts.
Mosiria emphasised that conservation efforts must always balance environmental protection with human safety, stressing that protecting nature should never come at the cost of human life.
“Let us promote safe alternatives like tree planting, environmental clean-ups, and symbolic tree-hugging in shifts,” he said.
