Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni made a surprise visit to Murang’a County to support Pastor James Irungu, who is currently undertaking an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge.
Truphena, who completed a 72-hour tree-hug that went viral and is also the holder of a 48-hour Guinness World Records–ratified tree-hug, arrived at the site to show solidarity.
Photos shared from the visit showed her interacting with the pastor, exchanging smiles, and observing his progress as residents and supporters gathered around.
The activist was previously awarded the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) by President William Ruto in December 2025 for her dedication to environmental stewardship, making her support a highly symbolic gesture.
The Murang’a-based pastor, popularly called Pastor Jimmy, began his attempt on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:27 pm and aims to complete it on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at 5:27 pm.
Speaking to the media, Irungu emphasised that his challenge was not meant to copy or compete with Truphena, dismissing claims that he was seeking fame or records, saying his motivation was deeply personal and rooted in concern for public health.
“Niliamua ku hugg mti kwa sababu ya ugonjwa wa cancer. Ugonjwa wa cancer umekuwa ukisumbua watu sana na kumaliza watu wengi,” he said.
Irungu explained that cancer has silently become one of the deadliest diseases in the country, forcing families to exhaust their savings in search of treatment abroad.
“Watu wamekua wakienda India kupata matibabu. Nikaamua nikuje hapa kwa mti kwa masaa eighty ili tuonyeshe ya kwamba huu ugonjwa ni hatari,” he added.
The Murang’a man said the endurance challenge was deliberately symbolic, meant to provoke conversations that many avoid until it is too late.
He noted that while other diseases have historically received aggressive public awareness campaigns, cancer continues to spread quietly.
Irungu made a direct appeal to the government to elevate cancer to a national emergency status.
