Murang’a Man Spends Over 65 Hours Hugging Tree to Push for Cancer Awareness
In Murang’a, Dr. George Obonyo from the Texas Cancer Centre commended Irungu’s commitment, urging Kenyans to take cancer screening seriously.
Pastor Jimmy Irungu. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
As the clock struck on press time, James Irungu spent approximately 65 hours hugging the Murang’a town tree as part of his crusade to create cancer awareness and its widespread effects on families and society.
Irungu started hugging the tree on the night of January 4, 2026, at 9:27 p.m. He expects the campaign will continue until Thursday, January 8, at 5:27 p.m. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the devastating effects cancer has on individuals and families and to petition the government to declare cancer a national disaster-an act that would grab more attention and concerted efforts.
Health professionals have applauded Irungu’s symbolic yet odd enterprise, stating that it has triggered important discussions on cancer prevention and early detection. In Murang’a, Dr. George Obonyo from the Texas Cancer Centre commended Irungu’s commitment, urging Kenyans to take cancer screening seriously.
“Cancer is now the third highest cause of death in Kenya. Majority of the patients present very late for treatment, which is mainly palliative by then,” Dr. Obonyo said.
He added that breast, cervical, and prostate cancers are the more prevalent ones in the country, stressing that early detection can greatly increase survival rates. Dr. Obonyo encouraged the adoption of simple, non-invasive screening procedures, including self-breast examinations, Pap smear, HPV DNA test, blood test for prostate cancer, and stool test for colon cancer.
It was also his plea for parents to ensure that girls aged 9 to 14 years get the human papillomavirus vaccine, which is available free at public health facilities. While stressing that some cancers can be prevented or treated very well, he reiterated that screening is the most effective way to limit cancer deaths.
As Irungu’s campaign continues in the town of Murang’a, it has further highlighted the need for public awareness, early detection, and greater national action to address with seriousness the increasing cancer burden in Kenya.
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