Nanyuki man takes up 96-hour tree-hugging challenge for peace

Nanyuki resident Paul Kago takes up 96-hour tree hugging challenge / Screengrab

A 43-year-old man in Nanyuki has embarked on a 96-hour tree-hugging challenge to promote peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

Paul Kago said the initiative was inspired by growing political tensions and disagreements among leaders.

He said he hopes the symbolic gesture will encourage Kenyans to prioritise national cohesion as the election period approaches.

“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 him on Sunday, urging him to complete the four-day target as he continued the vigil.

While similar tree-hugging efforts have previously been undertaken in Kenya to champion environmental causes, residents said Kago’s approach offered a dual message of environmental stewardship and peaceful coexistence.

Kago is expected to maintain the challenge and finish on Monday at 1pm.

The inspiration to hug trees for environmental awareness began when tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni successfully completed 72-hour challenge.

In January, Truphena officially received her badge from Guinness World Records, formally recognising her record-breaking endurance feat of hugging a tree continuously for 48 hours.

The official document stated:

"Longest marathon hugging a tree is 48:00:00 hours, achieved in Nairobi, Kenya on February 2, 2025."

The badge bears the organisation’s official seal and identifies Muthoni as a verified record holder.

The attempt required continuous physical contact with a single tree for a full 48 hours; any interruption would have disqualified the attempt.

Guinness World Records is known for its detailed verification process, which includes reviewing evidence, timing records, and documentation before confirming any record.

The issuance of the badge indicates that Muthoni’s attempt met all requirements and has been validated according to the organisation’s global standards.

"New Year comes with official Record Breaker Badge," Muthoni said on Facebook.

Muthoni’s record now joins thousands of others documented by Guinness World Records across a wide range of human achievements.

In a previous interview, Muthoni said she undertook the attempt to “raise awareness about the profound impact of tree hugging on mental and emotional well-being.”

Pastor James Irungu, a man from Murang’a sought to surpass the tree-hugging feat by Truphena but collapsed when he hit 79 hours and 40 minutes when he in an 80-hour marathon challenge.

Irungu, 30, went on the 80-hour tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness on cancer.

Dr James Kahura, a consultant physician and nephrologist, confirmed that when he was received at the facility, some of his organs had begun showing signs of failure.

“Irungu had experienced significant exhaustion and severe dehydration, and as a result, he had started developing some organ complications.”

“We noted that he had an acute kidney injury and severe muscle fatigue. He also had elevated muscle enzymes, and his brain function had started being affected.”