Murang'a

Murang’a Pastor Collapses Minutes Before Completing 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Record Attempt

MURANG’A, KENYA — A Murang’a-based clergyman was hospitalized Thursday morning after collapsing during an endurance challenge aimed at raising cancer awareness, falling short of his goal by mere minutes.

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Pastor Jimmy Irungu, 30, remained embracing a tree for 79 hours and 40 minutes before exhaustion overtook him, just 20 minutes before he would have reached his 80-hour target. The attempt, which commenced Sunday, January 4, 2026, ended with medical personnel transporting him to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital.

Medical staff confirmed Irungu’s condition stabilized following his admission, with physicians determining that extreme fatigue from the sustained physical exertion caused the collapse.

Noah Gachucha, Murang’a County’s Chief Executive Committee member for Youth Affairs, told reporters by phone that medical examinations showed the pastor’s essential organs were operating normally. Doctors anticipated releasing him from hospital care within hours of his admission.

While Irungu did not achieve his stated objective, his nearly 80-hour performance established a new record, exceeding environmental campaigner Truphena Muthoni’s previous 72-hour achievement.

Public Support Swells as Hours Pass

The marathon embrace, conducted in central Murang’a town, attracted growing numbers of onlookers as the days progressed. Local residents and visitors from surrounding areas congregated at the location to observe the attempt firsthand.

When Irungu surpassed the 72-hour threshold, spectators responded with celebration—breaking into song, dance, and prayer at the site.

The undertaking garnered widespread attention across Kenya, drawing government officials, online content creators, and citizens from adjacent counties who made the journey to Murang’a to demonstrate their support.

Muthoni, whose previous record Irungu surpassed, personally attended the event to commend the pastor’s determination and endorse the cause driving his effort.

Campaign Rooted in Personal Experience

Irungu explained that his motivation stemmed from observing cancer patients within his congregation and the broader Murang’a community, individuals he characterized as suffering from an often-overlooked health crisis.

“Jimmy has achieved something remarkable—this feat is unprecedented, not just in Murang’a County but globally,” Gachucha stated. He emphasized that county officials took pride in recognizing Pastor Jimmy as a local champion.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced plans to meet with the pastor following his recovery to discuss potential collaborations on expanding cancer awareness programs throughout the region.

The incident highlights both the dedication of community advocates working to address public health concerns and the physical risks associated with extreme endurance challenges undertaken for charitable purposes.