KERICHO, Kenya — A senior police officer in Kericho County was on Tuesday found hugging a tree inside a police station compound in an incident that has raised fresh questions about the safety of the increasingly popular tree-hugging challenge.
According to an occurrence book entry recorded at Sosiot Police Station in Belgut Sub-County, officers alerted the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) and the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) after the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), identified as Chief Inspector Kennedy Wanjala, reportedly engaged in prolonged tree hugging while on duty.
Police say the incident occurred on January 20 at around 10:45am, when officers on routine duties noticed the OCS hugging a tree within the station compound while dressed in full official uniform, attracting a crowd of curious members of the public.
Senior officers visited the scene and confirmed the incident before disengaging the officer from the tree.
After being spoken to, the OCS reportedly appeared distressed and depressed and was assessed as requiring medical attention. A follow-up report is expected.
The unusual incident comes barely a week after the government issued a public health advisory warning Kenyans against participating in prolonged tree-hugging challenges without medical assessment, citing growing safety concerns.
The Ministry of Health issued the warning following a surge in endurance-based tree-hugging activities inspired by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, who completed a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in December, surpassing her earlier 48-hour record.
Since then, similar challenges have emerged across several counties, driven by environmental conservation campaigns, fundraising efforts, and protest actions.
In Kiambu’s Limuru area, a young man reportedly attempted the challenge to raise school fees for his brother, while in Meru, another participant hugged a tree to protest insecurity and banditry.
In Western Kenya, a woman was hospitalised shortly after completing a 74-hour tree-hugging exercise.
Speaking on January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni cautioned that prolonged tree hugging amounts to strenuous physical activity that can severely strain the body if undertaken without proper preparation.
“People are hugging trees for long hours. That is strenuous exercise. Before doing the challenge, make sure you go for a check-up,” Muthoni said.
The Ministry says it has recorded multiple cases of participants collapsing and being rushed to hospital after attempting extended challenges without medical clearance.
Health experts warn that prolonged immobility and exertion can cause dehydration, muscle fatigue, circulation problems, nerve compression and fainting, particularly among people with underlying conditions.
While acknowledging the positive intentions behind environmental and social advocacy, the Ministry has urged Kenyans to exercise caution, stressing that activism should not compromise personal health.
As the trend continues to gain national attention, authorities say they will continue monitoring its impact and issue further guidance if risks escalate.
