Murang’a town witnessed an extraordinary display of endurance on Thursday morning after Pastor Jimmy Irungu collapsed just moments before completing an ambitious 80-hour tree-hugging challenge aimed at raising cancer awareness.
The 30-year-old cleric lost consciousness after clinging to a tree continuously for 79 hours and 40 minutes, falling short of his goal by barely 20 minutes. He was immediately rushed to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital, where doctors attributed the incident to extreme exhaustion caused by prolonged physical strain.
The awareness campaign began on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and steadily drew attention as hours turned into days. Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs Noah Gachucha later confirmed that Irungu’s condition was stable, noting that medical tests showed his vital organs were functioning normally. He said the pastor was expected to be discharged within a few hours.
Although he did not officially reach the 80-hour mark, Irungu’s feat set a new endurance milestone, surpassing the previous 72-hour record held by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni. When Irungu crossed that earlier benchmark, the scene erupted into celebration, with supporters singing, dancing, and offering prayers around the tree.
The marathon attracted large crowds and national interest, with leaders, social media influencers, and visitors from neighbouring counties travelling to Murang’a to witness the attempt. Muthoni herself paid a visit, commending Irungu’s determination and endorsing the cause behind the challenge.
Irungu explained that his motivation stemmed from witnessing cancer patients in his church and community struggle silently. Gachucha hailed the pastor as a hero, while Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the county would engage him after recovery to strengthen cancer awareness efforts. #PastorJimmyIrungu