NAIROBI, Kenya — Another Kenyan has stepped into the spotlight with a tree-hugging endurance challenge, drawing inspiration from recent high-profile campaigns that have blended environmental symbolism, personal resilience, and public advocacy.
Stephen Gachanja announced on Thursday that he had embarked on a 50-hour tree-hugging feat, joining a growing list of individuals using prolonged physical endurance to spark conversation and public interest.
In a TikTok video posted on January 8, 2026, Gachanja said he began the challenge a day earlier and was determined to see it through despite mounting physical strain.
“My name is Stephen Gachanja. I began hugging the tree yesterday, and I am aiming to do 50 hours. I am now 16 hours into the feat,” he said.
Gachanja revealed that his parents had been present at the site, offering him support as he continued the challenge. He described the experience as physically taxing and mentally draining, but said he remained committed.
“The experience has been tough, but I am still going,” he said. “People are encouraging me, but about going viral, I do not know yet.”
He added that he had chosen not to eat or drink for the entire duration of the challenge, a decision that significantly raises the physical demands of the stunt.
“I am not eating or drinking for the 50 hours, and I do not plan to do either. Now, there are almost 34 hours to go,” Gachanja said at the time of recording.
His effort comes just days after Pastor Jimmy Irungu’s widely publicised 80-hour tree-hugging campaign captured national attention. The preacher and gospel singer began his challenge on January 4, 2026, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about cancer.
His attempt ended dramatically during the 79th hour when he collapsed and was rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for treatment.
In multiple interviews during his challenge, Pastor Jimmy said his motivation stemmed from the rising number of cancer cases in Kenya and the heavy financial burden placed on families seeking treatment, sometimes abroad.
He urged both the government and the private sector to treat cancer as a public health emergency.
“This is to show you that if we are mindful of what surrounds us, then we can fight cancer,” he said in an interview with Kikuyu YouTuber Paxson Chege Ngunya. “If we take care of what is around us, that can be the start of fighting cancer. Let us fight this cancer together.”
The renewed interest in endurance-based tree-hugging activism also follows the achievements of environmental activist Truphena Muthoni. In December 2025, the 22-year-old completed a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County, breaking her own previous record.
Muthoni has consistently used her challenges to highlight environmental conservation, climate change and mental health awareness. Her campaigns have earned national recognition and praise from environmental groups and civil society actors.
