A Murang’a-based pastor narrowly missed setting a new world record for the longest time spent hugging a tree after collapsing just an hour before completing his 80-hour target.
Pastor James Irungu was forced to end the endurance challenge at the 79-hour mark early Thursday after his body gave in to exhaustion.
He was rushed to Murang’a Level Five Hospital for medical attention, reports indicated.
According to Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs Manoah Gachucha, the pastor’s condition was stable.
“Pastor Jimmy Irungu is currently at Murang’a Level Five Hospital where he is undergoing medical check-ups. His vital organs are okay; it is a matter of fatigue, and he is receiving proper care from our medical team,” Gachucha said.
Irungu began the tree-hugging marathon on Sunday and was expected to complete it at 5.27 a.m. on Thursday.
His attempt drew significant public attention, with social media influencers, local leaders, and supporters thronging Murang’a town to cheer him on.
Among those who visited to offer encouragement was environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, the current record holder. Artistes also entertained crowds during the four-day event.
The challenge sparked broader public discourse, with many Kenyans using the moment to appeal to the government and other stakeholders to lower the cost of treatment for chronic diseases and improve access to grassroots screening services.
The existing record for the longest tree-hugging marathon is held by Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni, who previously completed a 48-hour challenge.
More recently, she undertook a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County, an effort that is yet to be ratified by Guinness World Records.
On December 15, President William Ruto hosted Muthoni at State House, praising her environmental conservation efforts.
The meeting came days after she completed the 72-hour challenge, which marked her second attempt to surpass her earlier record.
Describing her actions as “a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,”
President Ruto appointed Muthoni an ambassador for the government’s 15-billion-tree planting campaign. In recognition of her leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship, the President also awarded her the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation Medal,” President Ruto said.
