A Murang’a-based pastor narrowly missed setting a new world record after collapsing just one hour before completing an ambitious 80-hour tree-hugging marathon, an endurance challenge that had captured national attention.
Pastor James Irungu was forced to end the attempt at the 79-hour mark early Thursday morning after his body succumbed to extreme fatigue. He was immediately rushed to Murang’a Level Five Hospital for medical attention.
Rushed to Hospital After Exhaustion
Confirming the incident, Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs Manoah Gachucha said the pastor’s condition was stable and not life-threatening.
“Pastor Jimmy Irungu is currently at Murang’a Level Five Hospital where he is 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.
Medical personnel indicated that prolonged standing, limited rest, and physical strain contributed to the collapse, forcing organisers to halt the challenge just moments before its scheduled completion.
How Close He Came to the Record
Pastor Irungu began the tree-hugging marathon on Sunday, anchoring himself to a tree in Murang’a town as part of an awareness-driven endurance attempt.
He was expected to conclude the challenge at 5:27 a.m. on Thursday, marking a historic 80 hours—a duration that would have comfortably surpassed the existing benchmark and potentially set a new world record.
Instead, exhaustion set in with just one hour remaining, cutting short what had already become one of the longest documented tree-hugging attempts in Kenya.
Murang’a Town Turns Into a Festival
The four-day event drew massive crowds, transforming Murang’a town into a hive of activity.
- Social media influencers livestreamed the challenge
- Local leaders visited to show support
- Residents camped overnight to cheer the pastor on
Artistes performed throughout the marathon, keeping spirits high as Irungu pushed through pain, cold nights, and physical strain.
Among those who visited was Truphena Muthoni, Kenya’s renowned environmental activist and the current tree-hugging record holder, who offered words of encouragement to the pastor.
Public Conversation Beyond the Record
While the challenge was framed around endurance and environmental symbolism, it also sparked broader national conversations.
Many Kenyans online used the moment to:
- Call for lower healthcare costs, especially for chronic illnesses
- Advocate for better access to grassroots medical screening services
- Highlight the physical and emotional toll of long-term health struggles
The discussion gained traction across social media platforms, with users linking Irungu’s collapse to wider concerns about health, resilience, and access to affordable care.
Who Holds the Current Tree-Hugging Record?
The existing record for the longest tree-hugging marathon is held by Truphena Muthoni, a Kenyan environmentalist known for combining activism with endurance challenges.
Muthoni initially completed a 48-hour tree-hugging marathon, officially placing her in the record books.
More recently, she undertook a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in Nyeri County, an effort that exceeded her previous mark. However, that attempt is yet to be ratified by Guinness World Records.
Recognition at State House
Muthoni’s environmental activism has earned her national recognition at the highest level.
On December 15, President William Ruto hosted her at State House, days after she completed the 72-hour challenge.
Describing her tree-hugging efforts as:
“A deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,”
President Ruto appointed Muthoni as an ambassador for the government’s 15-billion-tree planting campaign.
National Honour for Environmental Stewardship
In recognition of her leadership and commitment to environmental conservation, President Ruto also awarded Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation Medal,” the President said.
The honour further cemented her status as a leading voice in Kenya’s climate and conservation movement.
A Brave Attempt That Still Made History
Although Pastor James Irungu fell short of the 80-hour target, many Kenyans hailed his attempt as heroic and inspiring, noting that lasting 79 hours in such conditions was an extraordinary achievement.
Supporters praised his determination, resilience, and willingness to push physical limits for a cause that blended environmental awareness, faith, and public advocacy.
Organisers have not ruled out the possibility of another attempt in the future, once the pastor has fully recovered.
What Happens Next?
Medical teams are expected to continue monitoring Irungu’s recovery, while county officials and supporters assess the lessons from the endurance attempt.
Despite missing the record by a narrow margin, the challenge succeeded in:
- Capturing national attention
- Amplifying environmental and health-related conversations
- Showcasing the growing popularity of endurance activism in Kenya
For many observers, the message was clear: the impact went far beyond the record itself.