Kikuyu Pastor from Murang’a Eyes Guinness World Record with 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Challenge

A Murang’a pastor has drawn national attention after starting an unusual but powerful campaign to highlight the growing cancer crisis in Kenya.

Pastor James Irungu, 30, began an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge on Sunday night in Murang’a town to raise awareness about cancer and push the government to take stronger action against the disease.

By Monday evening, Irungu had already crossed the 40-hour mark, remaining firmly wrapped around the tree as supporters gathered to encourage him throughout the day and night.

“I am doing this to show people that cancer is a very dangerous disease,” Irungu said during a brief interaction with the media.

Irungu explained that his decision was driven by the rapid increase in cancer cases across the country and the financial suffering many Kenyan families are facing as a result.

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“Cancer has made many families poor. Some sell land, others take loans, and still they lose their loved ones,” he said.

He added that several members of his own family have died from cancer, an experience that pushed him to speak out publicly.

The pastor criticised the lack of advanced cancer treatment facilities in Kenya, noting that many patients are forced to seek medical care abroad.

“Most people are told to go to India for treatment, but that is very expensive and impossible for many Kenyans,” he said.

Irungu called on the government to declare cancer a national disaster, just as it did during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

“When HIV came, there were messages everywhere telling people to get tested. We want the same effort for cancer—screening messages everywhere,” he said.

Endurance Campaign Gains Attention

The tree-hugging challenge has attracted public interest, joining a growing trend of endurance-based awareness campaigns in Kenya.

Currently, Truphena Muthoni from Nyeri holds the recognised tree-hugging record at 48 hours, while a recent 72-hour attempt is still awaiting confirmation.

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Irungu hopes to surpass the 80-hour target, but says the real goal is to spark a serious national conversation.

“If even one person goes for cancer screening or leaders take action because of this, then the pain will be worth it,” he said as he prepared to continue the challenge overnight.