Kenyan content creator Tom Daktari has added his voice to the growing debate around the credibility and feasibility of recent tree-hugging endurance records.
Speaking during a recent commentary, Daktari questioned whether the narratives surrounding these attempts accurately reflect the physical and mental realities involved, particularly in an era dominated by constant digital interaction.
Questioning the Limits of Stillness
At the center of Daktari’s critique is the claim that some participants are able to remain in a fixed position while hugging a tree for up to three consecutive days.
“Yaani unataka kuniambia mtu anakaa siku tatu eh, kama anashikilia mti hivi eh, na hashiki simu? Hapo ndiyo imenitoa, hapo ndiyo hauguzi simu,” he asked.
He expressed doubt about the practicality of such prolonged immobility, arguing that the human body is not designed to remain completely stationary for that length of time.
To illustrate his point, Daktari compared the alleged stillness of record holders to a digital video file, questioning whether a person could realistically remain as motionless as an “.mp4” for 72 hours.
His remarks focused on the physical strain such an attempt would place on muscles, joints and circulation, even without accounting for external distractions.
Digital Detachment Under Scrutiny
Beyond the physical challenge, Daktari also raised questions about the digital discipline required to complete such an endurance attempt.
According to published reports, participants are expected to avoid using or even looking at their mobile phones for the entire duration of the challenge.
Daktari expressed scepticism about this requirement, noting that modern habits make complete digital detachment difficult to sustain.
He questioned whether it is realistic for someone to refrain from touching their phone for three days, especially given the role mobile devices play in communication, entertainment and personal security.
Privacy and Mental Disruption
The content creator further explored the mental demands of the challenge, particularly in relation to personal privacy.
He described a hypothetical situation in which a participant’s phone is accessed by another person during the attempt, suggesting that such an intrusion would immediately break concentration.
Daktari pointed specifically to private messaging platforms, stating that the anxiety associated with someone accessing personal conversations could undermine the focus required to continue.
“Unajua imagine umeshikilia mti hivi, unataka kuandikisha historia, alafu uone simu yako imeshikwa na mtu wako anaingia WhatsApp.” He said.
In his view, even a brief distraction linked to compromised privacy could negate hours or days of effort invested in the record attempt.
Recognition of Achieved Outcomes
Despite his doubts, Daktari acknowledged that individuals continue to take part in tree-hugging endurance challenges and, in some cases, reach their stated goals.
“But naona wanahug mpaka eh, wanahug mpaka wanaachieve kitu wanataka.” He stated.
He noted that while he personally struggles to reconcile the demands of the challenge with everyday realities, participants persist until they achieve their intended milestones.
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