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Tree-Hugging Challenges Rise in Kenya as Bungoma Woman Takes On 74-Hour Anti-Corruption Campaign

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4 months ago Scott

Tree-hugging challenges have become an unusual but growing way for Kenyans to highlight important social issues. The trend, which began with environmental activist Truphena Muthoni setting a Guinness World Record, has now expanded to include campaigns against corruption.

In Bungoma town, 23-year-old Flora Onyango has joined the movement by taking on a 74-hour tree-hugging challenge aimed at raising awareness about corruption in public offices. Onyango, a resident of Mbakalo Ward in Tongaren Constituency, started her challenge along the railway line opposite Posta Grounds. She plans to complete the three-day challenge as a symbolic call for stronger action against corruption.

“I am taking on this 74-hour challenge to draw attention to corruption. I haven’t trained for this, but I am determined to complete it,” Onyango said, highlighting her commitment to the cause.

She urged the government agencies responsible for fighting corruption to step up their efforts, explaining that her campaign is meant to shed light on the increasing problem of corruption in Kenya.

Onyango traveled from Nairobi to Bungoma to hold the challenge in her home county, believing it adds more meaning to the campaign. During the 74-hour challenge, she intends to go without food or water while her family monitors her safety and progress. She began the challenge at exactly 1:04 p.m. on Monday, with plans to finish at the same time on Thursday. A helper has been appointed to track the hours accurately.

The trend of tree-hugging challenges started with Truphena Muthoni, who hugged a tree for 72 hours to raise awareness about environmental conservation, earning recognition from the Guinness World Records. Soon after, Pastor James Irungu from Murang’a attempted a similar challenge, pushing the limits of human endurance. Onyango’s campaign adds a new dimension to this growing movement, showing how tree-hugging challenges can now be used to address social issues like corruption while testing personal resilience.