Turkana woman starts 72-hour tree-hugging challenge over diabetes treatment costs

Turkana resident Priscillah launches 72-hour tree gugging challenge in Lodwar / Screengrab

A Turkana woman has launched a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in Lodwar to draw attention to what she termed as high cost of treating diabetes in Kenya.

Priscillah, who has been living with diabetes for four years, says she can no longer afford essential care.

“I have suffered diabetes for four years now without any help. It has finished my strength; I cannot do anything. When I go to Lodwar Hospital, I cannot even afford medication. Even seeing the doctor and doing a blood test requires money,” she said.

Priscillah also highlighted the additional financial burden of a diabetes-friendly diet.

Through her protest, Priscillah is appealing to President William Ruto and the county governor to improve access to diabetes care.

“Diabetes food is expensive because it is different from the rest. I don’t have that kind of money, which is why I have started the tree-hugging challenge. I want to plead with the government to allow us to be treated for diabetes for free. Some of us cannot afford the money to treat diabetes because we are not financially stable. Hospitals should provide medication instead of directing patients to buy it outside,” she urged.

The protest has attracted attention in Lodwar, highlighting the challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses in rural parts of Kenya, where access to affordable healthcare remains a major concern.

This is even as the tree-hugging craze has gained popularity across the country with Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni cautioning Kenyans to ensure they ascertain their medical condition before attempting the strenuous activity.

The challenge began when Tree Planting Ambassador Truphena Muthoni hugged a tree for 72 hours, igniting more than an endurance feat.

Truphena sparked a nationwide challenge that has seen Kenyans of all ages and backgrounds attempting to emulate her endurance marathon for causes ranging from health to peace and education.

Her sustained embrace of a tree outside the Nyeri County Governor’s office in December was a striking act of environmental advocacy and personal resilience, drawing crowds, official recognition and intense social media attention.

PS Muthoni noted that some individuals have been engaging in continuous tree-hugging challenges for several days without adequate preparation.

She likened the tree-hugging challenge to marathon training, explaining that even professional athletes spend one to three months preparing for long-distance races before participating.

“You have seen people have a huge mood to hug trees. People have started strenuous exercises to hug trees. If you want to do the strenuous exercises, you must be checked if you are medically fit," she said.

"Even those who do marathons, they just don’t wake up and ran 40 kilometers, they have to train every morning for one month to three months. Some of you wake up and hug trees for five days,” she said.

The PS said the government is not against the initiative but those wishing to participate in it should take precaution to avert health complications.

"Even when you want to fast, you are advised not to if you are sick. I want to advise you but the choice is yours."

PS Muthoni emphasised that physical fitness and medical readiness are crucial to avoid health risks.