A 43-year-old man in Nanyuki has embarked on a 96-hour tree-hugging challenge in a symbolic call for peace and national unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
Paul Kago said the unusual vigil was inspired by rising political tensions and public disagreements among leaders, which he fears could undermine cohesion as the country heads into the election season.
“I came to hug the tree for the country to have peace because I have realised that our leaders have disagreements,” Kago said.
“I have started the journey to hug this tree for four days. I want us to have peace in 2027.”
Curious residents gathered around Kago on Sunday, encouraging him to complete the four-day challenge as he continued to hold onto the tree under the watch of onlookers.
While tree-hugging campaigns in Kenya have largely been associated with environmental conservation, residents said Kago’s effort carries a dual message—promoting environmental stewardship while urging peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
Kago is expected to conclude the challenge on Monday at 1pm, if he successfully completes the full 96 hours.
The initiative draws inspiration from past endurance tree-hugging campaigns, notably by tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni, who gained international recognition for her efforts.
In January, Muthoni officially received a Guinness World Records badge, confirming her achievement as the record holder for the longest marathon hugging a tree, after completing 48 consecutive hours in Nairobi on February 2, 2025.
According to Guinness World Records, the attempt required uninterrupted physical contact with a single tree for the full duration, with strict verification involving evidence review, timing records, and documentation.
“New Year comes with official Record Breaker Badge,” Muthoni said in a Facebook post announcing the recognition.
Muthoni previously said her attempt aimed to raise awareness about the mental and emotional well-being benefits associated with tree hugging.
However, not all such endurance efforts have ended safely. In a separate incident, Pastor James Irungu, 30, from Murang’a, collapsed while attempting an 80-hour tree-hugging marathon to raise awareness about cancer. He collapsed after 79 hours and 40 minutes.
Consultant physician and nephrologist Dr James Kahura said Irungu was admitted in a critical condition, suffering from severe dehydration, acute kidney injury, muscle fatigue, and early signs of organ failure.
“He had experienced significant exhaustion and dehydration, and as a result, some of his organs had begun showing complications,” Dr Kahura said.
