Murang’a man attempts Guinness World Record with 24-hour whistling challenge
By Steve Ireri, January 18, 2026Peter Karumba Wangui, a Murang’a-based resident, has announced an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record by whistling continuously for 24 hours, in a bid to raise awareness about mental health.
In a post made on his official Facebook page on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Wangui outlined the details of the challenge, which he has titled “Whistle to Break the Silence”, explaining that the attempt will begin at 8:00 am on Sunday, January 18, 2026 and end on Monday, January 19, 2026.
“OFFICIAL GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ATTEMPT RECORD “Whistle to Break the Silence” MOST CONSECUTIVE HOURS WHISTLING (MALE) GOAL: 24 HOURS RAISING AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH I, PETER KARUMBA, Will Whistle Nonstop for 24 Hours!” Peter’s poster read in part.
In the post, Peter also confirmed that he is doing the challenge from the same place in Murang’a Town where Pastor Jimmy Irungu attempted his elusive 80-hour tree-hugging feat.
The aspiring record-breaker revealed that the challenge, officially registered under Most Consecutive Hours Whistling (Male) with Guinness World Records, is designed not only to push physical and mental limits but also to highlight the struggles faced by individuals living with untreated mental health issues.
He emphasised that whistling nonstop for 24 hours will be physically taxing, noting that enduring untreated emotional or psychological pain can be far more challenging.
“VENUE: Murang’a Town (Where Jimmy Irungu Hugged the Tree) DATE: 18th January 2026. 8:00 AM–8:00 AM, 24 hours of whistling is tough; living with untreated pain is as harder.” You are not alone, help is near – Speak up!” his poster added.
Peter then urged followers to engage with the campaign by supporting and sharing the event, framing it as part of a wider effort to promote mental health awareness and advocacy in the country.
“SUPPORT SHARE ACT for Mental Health Awareness,” his poster added.
Govt’s warning
Peter’s challenge comes just days after the Ministry of Health cautioned members of the public against engaging in strenuous activities such as prolonged tree hugging without proper medical check-ups and physical preparation.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni raised alarm over what she termed a worrying trend, noting that some individuals have collapsed and ended up in hospital after hugging trees for long periods.
Speaking in Ngiriambu, Gichugu constituency in Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Muthoni added that proper preparation and rehearsal are also critical.
“Tree hugging may look harmless, but when done for long hours, it becomes a strenuous physical activity that can pose serious health risks. We have recorded cases of people being rushed to the hospital after collapsing, yet these incidents could have been avoided,” Muthoni said.
The PS emphasised that individuals should first undergo medical examinations to rule out underlying health conditions before engaging in such activities.
“Before you subject your body to any demanding exercise, it is important to know your health status. Some people have hidden conditions that can easily lead to loss of life when the body is overstretched,” she warned.
“You can not wake up and decide to engage in strenuous activity without training. The body must be prepared gradually to avoid serious complications,” she said.