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Truphena Muthoni ignited a countrywide phenomenon after her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, inspiring Kenyans from different age groups and walks of life to test their endurance in support of causes such as health, peace, education and the environment.
Her December vigil outside the Nyeri County Governor’s office stood out as a bold expression of environmental activism and personal determination, attracting large crowds, official acknowledgment and widespread attention on social media.
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The prolonged embrace, which she said was meant to promote environmental conservation and reconnect people with nature, quickly evolved into a powerful symbol of grassroots climate action — and soon grew beyond its original intent.
In Murang’a, Pastor James (Jimmy) Irungu launched an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge to draw attention to the cancer burden on families. However, he collapsed just one hour short of his target and was rushed to hospital suffering from severe dehydration and early multi-organ failure, including kidney complications, according to medical reports.
“I didn’t do this for publicity, but to help people understand the pain families affected by cancer endure,” Irungu said earlier during the challenge as supporters gathered around him.
The strain, however, proved overwhelming.
“We underestimated how taxing it would be,” a volunteer medic later admitted to local media.
A similar fate befell Paul Kago, 43, in Nanyuki, who began a 96-hour tree-hugging vigil to advocate for peace ahead of the 2027 General Election. His attempt ended in less than 24 hours when he was taken to Nanyuki Hospital with complications linked to hunger and extreme exhaustion.
“It is about peace,” Kago had said as onlookers watched him cling to a tree in a public park. “Our leaders are divided; we need unity.”
Not all attempts have ended in distress.
In Nairobi, 14-year-old Stephen Gachanja successfully completed a 50-hour tree hug at Jevanjee Gardens to raise money for his brother’s life-saving surgery. He finished the challenge safely, drawing cheers from supporters.
“I did this for my brother,” he said after completing the task. “Thank you to everyone who supported and donated.”
Elsewhere, Josphat Ndegwa in Kirinyaga hugged a tree for 52 hours to highlight issues affecting the boy child, while in Kerugoya Town, a school-going child is midway through an 81-hour challenge aimed at raising school fees — a move that has sparked both admiration and concern among residents and authorities.
Online, a video has circulated of a girl in Carissa hugging a tree for 24 hours, calling on political leaders to return home from Nairobi and address grassroots concerns. Another image shows John Macharia, a Kenyan living with disability, who says he plans to hug a tree for one hour using one leg to inspire persons living with disabilities and those affected by asthma, a condition he says claimed his mother’s life.
The growing wave of imitation challenges has stirred intense debate.
Supporters view the acts as innovative activism that shines a spotlight on key social issues, including environmental protection, unity, health and education. Critics, however, warn of serious health dangers and argue that some participants may be exploiting the trend for attention or financial gain.
Nairobi County’s CEC for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has urged authorities to step in, warning that while environmental conservation is vital, the current form of the challenge exposes participants to significant health risks.
He noted that many individuals are pushing themselves beyond safe limits “under the guise of endurance or fundraising.”
Media commentators have also weighed in. Radio host DJ Xclusive dismissed the trend as a misguided social media fad, insisting it is “not a career” and encouraging more practical forms of activism. His remarks, however, triggered debate, with some arguing that symbolic acts can still spark meaningful public discussion.
At the centre of the movement, Muthoni continues to shape the narrative.
Her initial protest drew extensive media coverage and earned recognition from the highest levels of government. President William Ruto awarded her a national commendation and appointed her Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, reinforcing the government’s climate action agenda.
“Before planting millions of trees, we must first heal millions of wounded hearts,” Muthoni said at the time, summing up the deeper meaning behind her endurance protest.
Environmentalists and community leaders acknowledge that the trend holds potential as a conversation starter on conservation and civic responsibility. Still, they stress that such initiatives must prioritise safety and be accompanied by concrete actions such as tree planting, environmental education and sustained policy advocacy.
