A young man from Murang’a County has captured public attention by starting an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge, sparking lively discussion on social media. The feat comes shortly after Truphena Muthoni went viral in December 2025 for hugging a tree for 72 hours to promote environmental conservation.
While some online commentators questioned whether Jimmy, as the man is identified, was attempting to compete with or copy Truphena’s record, he clarified that his mission is entirely different.
Speaking to the media as he clung to the tree, Jimmy praised Truphena’s efforts and congratulated her on her 72-hour achievement. He emphasized that his challenge is not about breaking records but about raising awareness for cancer.
Jimmy shared that he was inspired by the loss of his uncle to cancer, a tragedy that profoundly affected his family, particularly his mother. “I was so sad when I lost my uncle to cancer, and my mother was left without her brother. I decided to do something,” he said.
By hugging the tree for 80 hours, Jimmy aims to symbolize society’s need for commitment in the fight against cancer. He hopes his challenge will spark more conversations about the disease, encourage regular medical check-ups, and inspire support for those affected.
The challenge began at 9:00 pm on Sunday, January 4, and is expected to conclude at 5:00 am on Thursday, January 8. Jimmy’s endurance and dedication have already drawn widespread attention, with many praising his creative approach to raising awareness about a critical health issue.