The Ministry of Health has raised concern over the growing trend of prolonged tree-hugging challenges in Kenya, warning that the physically demanding activity poses serious health risks if undertaken without proper medical screening and preparation.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the ministry has recorded cases of participants collapsing or being hospitalized after engaging in extended tree-hugging sessions, some lasting several days. She cited a recent incident in which a pastor suffered kidney failure after attempting the challenge without undergoing prior health checks.
“Tree hugging for long hours is a strenuous physical activity. People must first seek medical advice to confirm they are fit and do not have underlying conditions that could put their lives at risk,” Muthoni said. “We are seeing people pushing their bodies beyond safe limits in the name of awareness, and the consequences can be fatal.”
Speaking in Ngiriambu, Gichugu Constituency in Kirinyaga County, the PS emphasized that individuals who choose to take part in such endurance activities must adequately prepare their bodies and avoid abrupt exposure to physical strain.
“These activities require physical conditioning and rehearsal. You cannot wake up one day and decide to subject your body to extreme stress without preparation,” she said. “We urge the public to prioritize their health as they champion noble causes.”
The warning comes amid a surge in tree-hugging challenges across the country, sparked by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree hug, which was linked to a Guinness World Record attempt. Since then, several Kenyans have launched similar endurance challenges to promote causes ranging from environmental conservation and cancer awareness to peace and social justice.
In early January, Murang’a-based Pastor James “Jimmy” Irungu attempted an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge to raise cancer awareness but collapsed about an hour before completion. He was rushed to hospital with severe dehydration and early signs of acute kidney injury and organ strain. Medical experts attributed his condition to extreme exhaustion and prolonged physical stress. He has since been reported to be in stable condition.
In another case, a man in Nanyuki embarked on a 96-hour tree-hugging challenge to promote peace ahead of the 2027 General Election, underscoring how the trend has expanded beyond environmental activism into broader social campaigns.
The craze has also been embraced by media practitioners. In Meru County, Meru FM journalist Douglas Gitonga completed a 50-hour tree-hugging challenge to draw attention to the difficult working conditions and mental health challenges faced by journalists. He has since expressed plans to replicate the campaign across all 47 counties.
Health officials, however, maintain that while the causes may be well-intentioned, the risks involved are significant. “Prolonged standing, dehydration, lack of sleep and inadequate nutrition can lead to organ failure and even death,” Muthoni warned.
Beyond public health concerns, the Principal Secretary also cautioned health facilities against exploiting patients using the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) cover. She accused some private and faith-based hospitals of overcharging patients and abusing the system for profit.
“Patients must get value for their SHA cards. Hospitals should not exploit vulnerable people,” she said. “Facilities must clearly display services that are free, those covered by SHA, and those that require out-of-pocket payment so patients can make informed decisions.”
The Ministry of Health says it will continue sensitizing the public on safe health practices while urging Kenyans to seek medical guidance before engaging in extreme endurance activities.
