• Not everyone has applauded. Some critics accuse Irungu of copying Truphena Muthoni, the Nyeri activist who hugged a tree for 72 hours in December 2025 to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

It is now day three since James Irungu, a 30‑year‑old pastor from Murang’a County, began his 80‑hour tree‑hugging challenge to raise awareness about cancer.

Irungu, who hails from Kahuro village, wrapped his arms around a tree in Murang’a town at exactly 9:27 p.m. on Sunday. He intends to hold on until 5:27 a.m. on Thursday, completing a feat that has already drawn crowds of curious onlookers and supportive residents.

His mission is to spotlight the rising cancer cases in Kenya, the crushing financial toll on families, and to press the government to declare cancer a national disaster.

For Irungu, the act of hugging a tree for days mirrors the long, painful journey endured by patients and caregivers battling cancer. His determination has inspired many Kenyans, who flock to the site to cheer him on and offer encouragement.

Not everyone has applauded. Some critics accuse Irungu of copying Truphena Muthoni, the Nyeri activist who hugged a tree for 72 hours in December 2025 to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

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Yet, in a show of solidarity, Muthoni herself traveled to Murang’a to support Irungu. Her presence underscored a growing unity between environmental activism and public health advocacy.

Truphena Muthoni, a 22‑year‑old Guinness World Record holder with Pastor James Irungu. (Photo credit: Facebook)

Cancer remains one of Kenya’s leading causes of death, with thousands of new diagnoses each year. Treatment costs often push families into debt or poverty, making Irungu’s call for government intervention resonate deeply.

His campaign also coincides with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month commemorated every January, a global initiative that emphasizes education, screening, and prevention through HPV vaccination and early detection. By staging his challenge now, Irungu’s message aligns with a broader international spotlight on cancer.

Tree hugging has become a common form of symbolic activism in Kenya, blending endurance stunts with powerful social messages.

Activists like Truphena Muthoni first popularized the practice, hugging trees for 48 and later 72 hours to protest deforestation and highlight the importance of protecting water catchment areas.

Her campaigns, submitted to Guinness World Records, gave the movement global visibility and inspired others to adopt similar endurance challenges.

Today, tree hugging has expanded beyond conservation, becoming a tool for public health advocacy and sparking national conversations.

Which cause would you want to see embraced next? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

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