Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to Pastor Jimmy, a cleric from Murang’a County who is currently attempting to break her national record by hugging a tree continuously for 80 hours, turning the quiet stunt into a moment of national reflection on conservation and climate action.
Pastor Jimmy began the endurance challenge over the weekend in Murang’a town, drawing crowds, environmentalists, and curious onlookers as he remained firmly wrapped around a mature tree, braving the heat of the day and the cold night. His goal is to surpass Muthoni’s widely publicised tree-hugging record, which brought her national attention late last year and sparked fresh conversations about environmental protection.
Muthoni’s visit was met with cheers as she praised the pastor for using a creative and peaceful approach to highlight environmental degradation. Speaking briefly at the site, she said the challenge was never about competition but about “forcing the country to pause and think about the trees we are losing every day.”
“This is bigger than records,” Muthoni said. “If hugging a tree can make even one leader rethink deforestation, then it is worth it.”
The attempt comes at a time when environmental issues dominate national discourse, following recent government warnings over prolonged dry spells in parts of the country and renewed calls for tree planting to combat climate change. Murang’a County, known for its lush highlands, has not been spared from the effects of erratic weather, making the symbolic act resonate strongly with locals.
Residents have continued to stream in, offering Pastor Jimmy water, encouragement, and prayers as he presses on toward the 80-hour mark. Organisers say medical teams are on standby to ensure his safety throughout the challenge.
Whether or not the record is broken, the moment has already achieved its purpose: reigniting public interest in conservation and reminding Kenyans that protecting the environment sometimes starts with the simplest acts.
By Meta