Murang’a-based Pastor Jimmy Irungu collapsed on Thursday morning barely 20 minutes short of his 80-hour target, after hugging a tree for 79 hours and 40 minutes in a cancer awareness campaign.
The 30-year-old was rushed to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital after fainting from exhaustion with slightly over an hour remaining to complete the challenge, which began on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Health officials later confirmed that Irungu was in stable condition, attributing the collapse to fatigue caused by prolonged physical strain.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Murang’a County CEC for Youth Affairs Noah Gachucha said doctors had found the pastor’s vital organs functioning normally and indicated he would be discharged within hours.
Despite failing to hit the 80-hour target, Irungu’s 79-hour endurance effectively set a new benchmark, surpassing the 72-hour feat previously recorded by environmental advocate Truphena Muthoni.
The tree-hugging marathon, staged in Murang’a town, drew large crowds as hours turned into days, with residents and visitors gathering to witness the unfolding attempt.
Cheers erupted when Irungu crossed the 72-hour mark, triggering spontaneous songs, dances, and prayers from supporters at the site.
The challenge attracted national attention, with leaders, social media personalities, and residents from neighbouring counties travelling to Murang’a to show solidarity.
Muthoni herself visited the site, applauding Irungu’s resilience and praising the message behind his campaign.
Irungu said the challenge was inspired by the struggles of cancer patients within his church and community, whom he described as victims of a “silent epidemic.”
"Jimmy has achieved because this is something that has never been done, not only in Muranga County but also in the whole world," the CEC marveled. He added that the Murang'a County Government was happy to have a hero in the name of Pastor Jimmy.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata later said the county would engage the pastor after his recovery to explore ways of strengthening cancer awareness initiatives.
