MURANGA, Kenya- Murang’a-based pastor James (Jimmy) Irungu, 30, is set to conclude his 80-hour tree-hugging challenge on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, a feat aimed at raising awareness about cancer and urging stronger national action on prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Irungu began the endurance challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at around 9 p.m. in the centre of Murang’a Town, maintaining continuous physical contact with a tree.
By surpassing 72 hours, he has already broken the record previously set by Truphena Muthoni, a Nyeri-based environmental activist who held the record for tree-hugging in late 2025.
Speaking about his motivation, Irungu said the challenge goes beyond endurance or setting records.
“Cancer has become a major health threat that devastates families and drains resources. Many Kenyans are forced to seek treatment abroad due to limited local capacity, sometimes selling assets to afford care,” he told reporters.
“This is to remember cancer patients and their families who go through a lot of pain physically… many families have been impoverished by cancer.”
Irungu has since received the support of Muranga Governor Irungu Kang’ata who has deployed a team of medics to ensure his health is not compromised.
Supporters and civic leaders have gathered throughout the challenge to cheer him on, framing his act as a symbolic tribute to the sufferings of cancer patients and caregivers.
Muthoni herself has publicly supported Irungu, underscoring the collaborative spirit behind endurance activism in Kenya.
Irungu has called on the government and health authorities to treat cancer with the same urgency as past national crises, including expanding screening services, investing in health facilities, and promoting public health campaigns to educate citizens.
As the challenge enters its final hours, Irungu’s record-breaking feat has sparked a wider national conversation about cancer care, health financing, and community-driven awareness campaigns across Kenyan media and social platforms.
