Pastor James Irungu Collapses During 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Marathon

What happened?

Pastor James Irungu, a 30-year-old man, collapses at 79 hours and 40 minutes in his 80-hour tree-hugging challenge. He was set to exceed Nyeri’s Truphena Muthoni in her last tree-hugging attempt. 

Irungu initially set his sights on this challenge to raise awareness about cancer, a cause near and dear to him. Irungu passed out at the 79th-hour mark and was rushed to Murang’a Level Five Hospital for medical attention. He was set to complete the challenge at 5:27 am today before his incapacitation.

James Irungu’s condition

As medics stabilised him, netizens online acknowledged that not only did he break the previous record of 72 hours, but also that his feat is one of a kind.

Irungu’s activism journey has not been an easy one. He faced criticism online, to which he shot back, emphasising that he knows the reason behind his tree-hugging. Irungu also did not consume anything during the duration and faced harsh weather conditions with limited aid from basic needs.

What did Truphena Muthoni have to say?

With her current 72-hour record pending, Muthoni, the current holder of the 48-hour tree-hugging world record, paid a visit to Irungu, pledging her support to his cause.

Later, in an interview with Radio 47 Kenya, Muthoni set things straight with popular radio host Mbaruk. She clarified to Mbaruk that tree-hugging is a tool for creative awareness and that she shares her support for anyone who follows in her footsteps. Muthoni admitted that there was no jealousy whatsoever between her and the 30-year-old pastor. Truphena commented:

‘Kwa nini nikue na wivu kwa kazi ambayo nimeanzisha? Nimesupport tu pia venye alikua supported. Na kitu ingine naeza sema ni kwamba ilikua ni campaign tu yangu pia. Nilikua na mwito, nikiita watu, waeze kuembrace tree-hugging kama one of the ways kucreate awareness.’

This translates to, “Why should I be jealous of the work I started? I only supported what he supported. Another thing I can say is that it was also my campaign. I had a calling to embrace tree-hugging as one of the ways to create awareness.”

Pastor James Irungu sets a new record

On Tuesday, Irungu received a visit from Manoah Gachucha, Murang’a’s Youth Sports and Culture ambassador, in a show of his support. The Murang’a County Level Five Hospital staff continue to monitor his condition. It is confirmed that he is currently stable.

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