Pastor hugged a tree in Kitui for 100 hours to draw the plight of youth to leaders

Kitui county assembly speaker Kevin Katisya and Martin Mulwa on Tuesday /Musembi Nzengu

Outside the Kitui Huduma Centre last week, a young clergyman stood—or rather, leaned—against a tree, holding on for an astonishing 100 hours.

Pastor Martin Mulwa Jnr, 26, completed the marathon tree-hugging exercise not for fame, but to spotlight the struggles of Kitui’s unemployed and disillusioned youth.

“My heart bleeds for the suffering youth in Kitui. They are a forgotten segment of society,” Mulwa said.

“I hugged a tree to draw the attention of leaders to their plight and spur action.”

The act, as unusual as it was dramatic, captured attention across the county.

Mulwa said his protest was entirely selfless.

“This was not for my personal benefit or my family's. I was moved by the predicament of the youth and felt compelled to act, however small the gesture,” he explained.

During a courtesy call at the Kitui county assembly on Tuesday, Mulwa outlined the goals of his campaign: to push the county government to employ at least 500 youth and sponsor another 500 for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

His efforts are yielding results. Governor Julius Malombe has pledged to employ 1,000 youth and sponsor an equal number for TVET courses, exceeding the cleric’s initial appeal.

Speaker Kevin Katisya praised Mulwa for his courage, dedication, and creativity.

“It is exemplary meekness. Imagine enduring long hours hugging a tree, not for personal gain, but as a unique way of asking the government to support youth training and employment,” he said.

Mulwa insists his mission is far from over.

With renewed support from county leaders, he vows to continue advocating for young people, guiding them towards sustainable opportunities and a more hopeful future.