Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has made a surprise visit to Murang’a County to support Pastor James Irungu, who is currently undertaking an 80-hour tree-hugging endurance challenge aimed at raising awareness about cancer.
Truphena, who previously went viral after completing a 72-hour tree-hug and also holds a Guinness World Records–ratified 48-hour tree-hug, arrived at the site to show solidarity with the pastor. Images shared from the visit showed the two interacting warmly, exchanging smiles, and engaging with residents and supporters who had gathered to witness the ongoing challenge.
Her presence carried symbolic weight, coming just weeks after she was awarded the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) by President William Ruto in December 2025 in recognition of her commitment to environmental conservation and advocacy.
Pastor Irungu, popularly known as Pastor Jimmy, began his challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:27 pm. He is expected to conclude the 80-hour effort on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at 5:27 pm.
Clarifying his motivation
Addressing the media, Irungu was keen to clarify that his initiative was neither an attempt to compete with nor replicate Truphena’s achievements. He dismissed suggestions that the challenge was driven by a quest for publicity or record-setting, explaining that his motivation is deeply personal and rooted in concern over the growing cancer burden in the country.
“I decided to hug the tree because of cancer. Cancer has been troubling many people and claiming many lives,” he said.
The Murang’a-based pastor noted that cancer has quietly become one of the country’s deadliest diseases, often forcing families to deplete their resources while seeking treatment, sometimes outside the country.
“Many people are travelling to India for treatment. That is why I decided to come here and hug a tree for 80 hours, to show just how serious and dangerous this disease has become,” he added.
Irungu explained that the endurance challenge was intentionally symbolic, designed to spark conversations around a disease that is frequently ignored until it reaches advanced stages. He observed that while other illnesses have benefited from sustained public awareness campaigns, cancer continues to spread with relatively limited national attention.
He concluded by appealing to the government to elevate cancer to a national emergency, arguing that such recognition would help mobilise resources, awareness, and policy action to address the growing crisis.
