Crowds watched in shock on Thursday morning when a Murang’a pastor slumped beside a tree he had hugged for days. Pastor Jimmy Irungu chased global attention and public reward through an extreme endurance test.
He wanted to outdo a famous environmental record and earn the recognition that followed it. Instead, exhaustion cut his bid short minutes before the finish. His collapse exposed the thin line between purpose and pressure and raised fresh questions on preparation, health, and the growing culture of record chasing.
Pastor Jimmy Irungu Pushed His Body Beyond Limits in Tree-Hugging Marathon
Pastor Jimmy Irungu, 30, collapsed in Murang’a town after hugging a tree for 79 hours and 40 minutes. He fell barely 20 minutes short of his 80-hour target. Medics rushed him to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital after he fainted from exhaustion.
Doctors later confirmed he was in stable condition. Health officials said prolonged physical strain drained his body. Murang’a County CEC for Youth Affairs Noah Gachucha told reporters that tests showed Irungu’s vital organs were functioning normally. Doctors planned to discharge him within hours.
The challenge began on Sunday, January 4, 2026. From the first day, Irungu stayed upright with his arms wrapped around a tree in the heart of town. Supporters prayed, sang, and kept vigil through the nights. The pastor barely rested. He relied on mental resolve and brief medical checks.
Despite the collapse, Irungu set a new endurance mark. He surpassed the previous 72-hour record by environmental advocate Truphena Muthoni. Cheers erupted when he crossed that mark. Supporters broke into song and dance, convinced he would finish strong.
Pressure to match rewards fuels risky attempts
Irungu openly admitted that he wanted to beat Muthoni’s record. Her 72-hour feat late last year drew national praise. She received money, a scholarship, and paid vacations. Her story spread fast on social media and inspired many copycat attempts.
The Tree Hugging Pastor believed he could claim similar recognition through sheer will. Friends say he focused on the reward and visibility. He underestimated the depth of preparation needed for such a test. Sources close to the event say he trained lightly and leaned heavily on faith and adrenaline.
Muthoni followed a different path. She invested months in physical conditioning and mental preparation. She worked with wellness experts and planned her body’s response to pain and fatigue. That discipline allowed her to endure long hours without collapse.
Irungu’s bid showed the danger of skipping that groundwork. Endurance challenges punish the unprepared. The body demands training, nutrition, and recovery plans. Without them, even strong motivation can fail.
The scene in Murang’a turned tense when Irungu staggered. Volunteers rushed in. Medics cleared the area. The crowd fell silent. Many later admitted they feared the worst.
Cancer awareness message still resonates
Irungu said he hugged the tree to speak for cancer patients in his church and community. He described cancer as a silent epidemic that drains families and hope. He wanted his pain to reflect their daily struggle.
That message drew strong support. Residents from neighboring counties traveled to Murang’a to witness the attempt. Leaders and online personalities shared updates. The event turned into a national conversation.
Truphena Muthoni visited the site during the challenge. She praised Irungu’s resolve and applauded his message. Her presence calmed the crowd and highlighted unity behind the cause.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata later weighed in. He said the county would engage the pastor after his recovery. The goal would be to strengthen cancer awareness initiatives and protect future advocates from harm.
CEC Gachucha called Irungu a hero despite the fall. He said the county felt proud of the courage shown. He noted that the tree-hugging pastor achieved something never seen before in the region.
