Murang’a Pastor Misses World Record by One Hour After Gruelling Tree-Hugging Marathon
Muthoni holds the record for completing a 48-hour tree-hugging marathon. She subsequently undertook a 72-hour challenge in Nyeri County, pending formal ratification by Guinness World Records.
Among those who visited to offer encouragement was environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, the current record holder. Artistes also entertained crowds during the four-day event. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
A Day Off from the Dream
A Murang’a pastor’s audacity in an attempt to create a new global record for hugging treeman ended abruptly, for exertion restrained him from achieving the target.
According to reports, Pastor James Irungu was declared at about 79 hours, leaving him just short of his desired target of 80 hours, after which he would have been at ease to pursue. The endurance marathon had begun on Sunday and was slated to take place until 5.27 a.m. on Thursday.
Medical Intervention and Official Assurance
The cleric was rushed to Murang’a Level Five Hospital just after he had collapsed. He has since been declared as stable by officials.
Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs Manoah Gachucha said that Irungu was going through routine medical tests and was responding well to treatment.
“His vital organs are okay. The issue is fatigue, and he is under the care of our medical professionals,” Gachucha said.
Crowds, Conservation, and National Conversation
The tree-hugging marathon garnered national attention, transforming Murang’a town into a hive of activities for four days. Supporters, local leaders, and influencers flocked to witness the occasion while entertainers and musicians entertained the crowds throughout the endurance challenge.
Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, holder of the recognized record for tree hugging, visited the pastor to encourage him. Her involvement further amplified the environmental and social significance of the event.
The challenge opened the door for public discourse whereby many Kenyans seized the initiative to urge the government and health stakeholders to reduce the cost of chronic disease management and to broaden grassroots access to screening services.
Muthoni holds the record for completing a 48-hour tree-hugging marathon. She subsequently undertook a 72-hour challenge in Nyeri County, pending formal ratification by Guinness World Records.
On December 15, Muthoni was received at State House by President William Ruto soon after the Nyeri challenge. The President commended her work for environmental conservation as a strong symbol of climate action. He appointed her as ambassador for the government’s ambitious 15-billion-tree-planting campaign and honored her with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal for her exemplary leadership and commitment toward environmental conservation.
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