Murang’a pastor Jimmy Irungu to remain in hospital for 24 hours
By Wangari Njuguna, January 8, 2026Jimmy Irungu, the man who was taking part in the 80 hours tree hugging challenge will remain under medical observation for 24 hours at the Murang’a county hospital.
Irungu started the challenge on Sunday 4th January 2026 at 9:27 pm and had anticipated to complete it on Thursday 8th January 2026 but he collapsed one hour shy from achieving his goal.
According to Dr.James Kahura, the county physician said Irungu was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed at the scene where he had spent three days.
Kahura said he had a lot of exhaustion, severe dehydration and because of that he had started developing multi-organ failure.
“We noticed that he had acute kidney injury, a lot of muscle fatigue and raised muscle enzymes, and we had to resuscitate him,” Kahura said.
“We also gave him fluids to bring his electrolytes back to normal and he is now stabilizing but he will be under observation so that we don’t get other organs failing subsequently,” he added.
Kahura said when a person goes for a hunger strike or prolonged period of lack of sleep they get exhaustion and electrolyte imbalance which is a health hazard.
The doctor said while this was a noble mission, it can be a dangerous venture if one is not careful about their personal health.
He said before embarking on such an endeavor for prolonged periods of body exhaustion, lack of water and food, one should visit the hospital and be evaluated thoroughly whether the body is strong enough to undergo such a strain.
“It is also important to have a team of medical professionals to be on your side during that period so that in case of an emergency they are able to handle it,” he remarked.
“People undertaking such a challenge should take isotonic fluids so that they can maintain body fluid at a normal state to avoid such an occurrence,” added Kahura.
Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata who visited Irungu at the hospital lauded him for undertaking a noble mission to champion cancer patients but his personal health is the first priority right now.
Kang’ata said the county will support his mission terming it as a worthy course and they will pursue it together.
The governor admitted that there are gaps in the health care system for the cancer patient saying it requires concerted efforts to address it.
“We have given a donation to his family to be able to look after him for the time being after that we will build up on his plans to establish a foundation to support the cancer patients,” Kang’ata remarked.
Irungu on his part called for establishment of a cancer center in Murang’a where the patients can get treated free of charge.
He said he has lost close family members and friends to the disease thus the push to escalate the call to the national government to declare cancer a national pandemic.
“I will also start a foundation which will help cater for the cancer patients and ensure they get affordable medical care,” Irungu said.