Exhaustion Forces Murang’a Pastor to Abandon 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Record Bid
Pastor James Irungu collapsed at the 79-hour mark early Thursday, bringing his ambitious 80-hour endurance attempt to an abrupt halt
By : Mweru Mbugua
A Murang’a-based pastor narrowly missed setting a new world record for the longest time spent hugging a tree after exhaustion forced him to end the challenge just one hour short of his target
Pastor James Irungu collapsed at the 79-hour mark early Thursday, bringing his ambitious 80-hour endurance attempt to an abrupt halt
He was immediately rushed to Murang’a Level Five Hospital for medical attention
Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs Manoah Gachucha confirmed that the pastor’s condition was stable, attributing the incident to fatigue
“Pastor Jimmy Irungu is currently at Murang’a Level Five Hospital undergoing medical check-ups
His vital organs are okay; it is a matter of fatigue, and he is receiving proper care from our medical team,” Gachucha said
Irungu began the tree-hugging marathon on Sunday and was expected to complete it at 5.27 a.m. on Thursday
His attempt drew widespread public attention, with social media influencers, local leaders, artistes, and supporters gathering in Murang’a town throughout the four-day event
Among those who visited to offer encouragement was environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, the current holder of the tree-hugging endurance record
The event also featured entertainment as crowds rallied behind the pastor’s effort
Beyond the record attempt, the challenge sparked broader public debate, with many Kenyans using the moment to call on the government and stakeholders to reduce the cost of treating chronic illnesses and expand access to grassroots medical screening services
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The existing record for the longest tree-hugging marathon is held by Muthoni, who previously completed a 48-hour challenge and later undertook a 72-hour attempt in Nyeri County, which is yet to be ratified by Guinness World Records
In recognition of her environmental advocacy, President William Ruto hosted Muthoni at State House on December 15, praising her efforts to promote environmental conservation and climate change awareness
He appointed her an ambassador for the government’s 15-billion-tree planting campaign and awarded her the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal for exemplary service to environmental stewardship
