Another Kenyan has launched his own tree-hugging challenge, drawing inspiration from the highly publicised endurance attempts by Pastor Jimmy Irungu and environmental activist Truphena Muthoni. The growing trend has captured public attention across Kenya, blending physical endurance with messages around awareness, resilience, and activism.
Stephen Gachanja revealed details of his ongoing challenge in a TikTok video shared on Thursday, January 8, 2026. He explained that he began hugging the tree on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and is aiming to remain there for a total of 50 hours. By the time he recorded the video, Gachanja said he had already completed a significant portion of the challenge.
“My name is Stephen Gachanja. I began hugging the tree yesterday, and I am aiming to do 50 hours. I am now 16 hours into the feat,” he said.
Gachanja noted that the challenge has required both physical and mental endurance, especially as the hours stretch on without rest. He shared that his parents have been present at the site, offering encouragement and support as he pushes through the demanding experience.
“And my parents have been here helping me,” he shared.
Despite the strain, Gachanja said he remains committed to completing the full duration. He described the experience as tough and mentally draining, yet emphasized that he is still holding on. According to him, encouragement from members of the public has helped him remain focused, even as uncertainty remains about whether the challenge will gain widespread attention online.
“The experience has been tough, but I am still going. People are encouraging me, but about going viral, I do not know yet,” he said.
What is driving the rise of tree-hugging challenges in Kenya?
Gachanja further disclosed that he is undertaking the challenge without eating or drinking for the entire 50-hour period. He explained that he does not plan to consume any food or fluids until the challenge is complete, noting that he still had close to 34 hours remaining at the time of his update.
“I am not eating or drinking for the 50 hours, and I do not plan to do either. Now, there are almost 34 hours to go,” he shared.
His effort follows closely on the heels of Pastor Jimmy Irungu’s widely discussed 80-hour tree-hugging campaign, which drew national attention earlier this month. Pastor Jimmy’s challenge ended dramatically after he collapsed during the 79th hour and was rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for medical attention.
The pastor began his endurance challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, using the platform to raise awareness about cancer. He described cancer as a growing tragedy that continues to affect many Kenyan families, both emotionally and financially. In several interviews during the challenge, the gospel singer explained that his motivation stemmed from the increasing number of cancer cases and the high cost of treatment, which often forces families to seek medical care abroad.
Pastor Jimmy also used the moment to call on the government and private sector to treat cancer as a public health emergency requiring urgent and sustained action.
“This is to show you that if we can be mindful and take care of what surrounds us, then we can fight cancer. For example, when you feed your cow feed that has chemicals, and then the butcher sells that meat to you later, these chemicals can cause cancer. If we take care of what is around us, then that can be the start of fighting cancer. Let us fight this cancer together,” he said during an interview with Kikuyu YouTuber Paxson Chege Ngunya.
How has Truphena Muthoni influenced this movement?
The renewed interest in tree-hugging activism also reflects the influence of Truphena Muthoni, whose endurance feats have consistently pushed the boundaries of environmental activism. In December 2025, the 22-year-old successfully completed a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County, breaking her own previous record.
Muthoni has used her challenges to spotlight environmental conservation, climate change, and mental health awareness. Her efforts have earned national recognition and praise from environmental groups, positioning her as a key figure in Kenya’s emerging activism culture.
As more individuals like Gachanja step forward with similar challenges, tree hugging has evolved from a symbolic act into a visible platform for awareness, endurance, and public conversation across the country.
By Modester Nasimiyu
