MURANG’A, Kenya – Pastor James Irungu, a 30-year-old Murang’a resident, collapsed on Thursday morning after enduring more than 79 hours in an ambitious tree-hugging marathon aimed at raising awareness about cancer.
Irungu, who had set out to complete an 80-hour continuous tree-hugging challenge, fell just minutes short of his target after spending 79 hours and 40 minutes clinging to a tree in Murang’a town.
Witnesses at the venue rushed to assist him before he was taken for medical attention. Authorities later confirmed that he was in stable condition.
The unusual endurance challenge, which began on Sunday and was scheduled to end at 5.27am on Thursday, drew large crowds and widespread attention across the country, with Kenyans closely following updates shared on social media.
Excitement peaked when Irungu surpassed the 72-hour mark, breaking the record set by tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni in neighbouring Nyeri County.
The milestone sparked celebrations at the site, with songs and dances breaking out as supporters cheered him on.
Muthoni, who was recognised for a previous 48-hour tree-hugging marathon and later extended her attempt to 72 hours — a feat still undergoing ratification by Guinness World Records — was among the leaders and influencers who travelled to Murang’a to support Irungu’s effort.
Beyond the record attempt, the event evolved into a powerful platform for cancer advocacy.
Many Kenyans used the moment to urge the government and health stakeholders to lower the cost of cancer treatment and expand screening services at the grassroots.
Radio personality Essie Wa Mahatha, who visited the site, described the challenge as a deeply personal sacrifice.
“This is a major sacrifice for a young man to push his body that far just to send a message that this disease needs more attention,” she said, noting that she had lost her mother and two siblings to cancer.
Murang’a Township MCA Charles Karina praised Irungu for putting the county on the national map, saying the influx of visitors had boosted local businesses.
“People have travelled from other counties to witness this challenge, and that has encouraged economic activity in the town,” he said.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the county had deployed a team of medics to monitor Irungu’s health throughout the challenge and ensure his safety.
“After his full recovery, we look forward to engaging him on how his ideas can support our fight against cancer,” the governor said in a statement.
Irungu’s brother, John Irungu, admitted he initially doubted the seriousness of the attempt.
“I didn’t take him seriously at first, but after the first day I realised how difficult it was. I once tried fasting in prayer and by evening I was already looking for the nearest hotel,” he said.
Speaking earlier during the challenge, Irungu said he was inspired by the suffering he had witnessed among church members battling cancer, describing the disease as a “silent epidemic” devastating many Kenyan households.
