Residents of Ciambugu village in Nthawa Ward, Mbeere Mporth Constituency, in Embu County, turned out in large numbers to witness a dramatic 90-hour tree-hugging challenge by 29-year-old Eric Munene, an act he said was meant to push leaders to address long-standing development gaps in the area.
Munene was rushed to the Embu Level 5 Hospital Emergency Unit shortly after completing the endurance challenge, which drew widespread attention from locals and leaders alike.
Speaking after the ordeal, Munene said his protest was aimed at urging the government and local leadership, particularly newly elected Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende, to prioritize key projects such as road construction, establishment of hospitals, and installation of electricity in Ciambugu and surrounding areas.
On Friday, MP Muthende visited Munene at the site of the challenge and assured residents that his administration would work towards delivering on its campaign pledges.
“I want to assure the people of Mbeere North that we are committed to improving road networks, expanding electricity connectivity, and constructing hospitals to bring essential services closer to our people,” said Muthende.
The MP also pledged to support youth empowerment initiatives, saying job creation would be a priority.
“Our youth deserve opportunities. We will support them to secure jobs both locally and abroad,” he said, adding that he would personally assist Munene. “I have promised Eric that I will help him secure a job in Dubai so that his sacrifice does not go unrewarded.”
Munene’s wife, Bancy Karimi, speaking at the Embu Level 5 Hospital Emergency Unit, said she was initially shocked by her husband’s decision to undertake the risky challenge.
“I was very surprised and worried when he decided to do this, but I chose to support him to the end because I understood what he was fighting for,” said Karimi.
She called on the government and elected leaders to honor the promises made.
“I urge our leaders to fulfill what they have promised so that my husband’s effort and suffering do not go to waste,” she added.
Similar sentiments were shared by Munene’s mother, Consolata Muthoni Macharia, who said she had initially feared for her son’s health.
“I begged him to stop because I was afraid something bad might happen to him, but he refused and said he must finish what he started,” she said.
Muthoni said she later decided to support her son after realizing how determined he was.
“When I saw his determination, I stood by him and now I am asking our leaders to keep their word by building hospitals, roads, and bringing electricity to this area,” she said.
“I also thank the Mbeere North MP for promising to help my son get work abroad.” Muthoni added.
Tree-hugging challenges have gained popularity across the country following environmentalist.
Truphena Muthoni from Nyeri, who set a world record in December by hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours.
Since then, several individuals in different regions have taken up similar challenges to draw attention to environmental and social issues.
Eric Munene was born on May 15, 1997, in Ciambugu village, Nthawa Ward.
