Another Kenyan has launched a high-endurance tree-hugging challenge, drawing inspiration from the recent campaigns of Pastor Jimmy Irungu and environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, whose feats captured national attention.
Stephen Gachanja, speaking in a TikTok video on Thursday, January 8, 2026, revealed that he began hugging a tree on Wednesday, January 7, with the goal of remaining in position for 50 continuous hours. At the time of the video, he was already 16 hours into the challenge, supported by his parents.
“And my parents have been here helping me,” Gachanja shared. He described the experience as physically tough and mentally draining, but expressed determination to complete the challenge.
Members of the public have reportedly offered encouragement, although Gachanja said he is uncertain whether the stunt will gain viral attention online.
He also confirmed that he will neither eat nor drink during the 50-hour challenge, with nearly 34 hours remaining at the time of his update.
“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,” he said.
Gachanja’s effort follows Pastor Jimmy Irungu’s widely publicised 80-hour tree-hugging campaign, which ended when he collapsed during the 79th hour and was rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital. Pastor Jimmy had undertaken the challenge to raise awareness about cancer, highlighting the financial and health struggles faced by affected families and calling for urgent government and private-sector intervention.
“This is to show you that if we can be mindful and take care of what surrounds us, then we can fight cancer. For example, chemicals in animal feed can end up in our meat and contribute to cancer. Let us fight this cancer together,” Pastor Jimmy said in an interview with Kikuyu YouTuber Paxson Chege Ngunya.
The renewed interest in tree-hugging activism also comes on the heels of Truphena Muthoni’s record-breaking 72-hour marathon in December 2025 in Nyeri County. The 22-year-old environmental activist has used her challenges to promote environmental conservation, climate change awareness, and mental health, earning national recognition.
Gachanja’s challenge underscores the growing trend of high-endurance activism in Kenya, where environmental and health awareness campaigns are increasingly engaging the public through bold, attention-grabbing stunts.
