Pastor James Irungu Collapses After Hugging a Tree for 79 Hours

Pastor James Irungu, who was racing against time to hug a tree for 80 hours, collapsed during the challenge.

Irungu collapsed early on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at around 3:51 a.m. He was scheduled to finish the challenge at 5:27 a.m.

The pastor was on a quest to break the 72-hour tree-hugging record set by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni. While he successfully surpassed the 72-hour mark, he did not manage to complete the full 80 hours, collapsing after 79 hours and 40 minutes into the marathon challenge.

Pastor James Irungu Collapses

An ambulance from Murang’a County Hospital was dispatched to the scene after he collapsed. Medical personnel confirmed Pastor Irungu was admitted and is being treated for severe dehydration, extreme exhaustion, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). He is reported to be conscious, in stable condition, and under close observation.

Before collapsing, Pastor Irungu had already broken the 72-hour record set by Truphena Muthoni last month.

Also Read: Millions and Other Benefits Truphena Muthoni Will Receive for Hugging a Tree for 72 Hours

The 30-year-old pastor who is a  gospel artist, began his tree-hugging challenge on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m in Murang’a Town, where Irungu aimed to hug a tree for 80 consecutive hours to raise awareness for cancer and urge the government to declare it a national disaster.

Before collapsing, Pastor Irungu had already broken the 72-hour record set by Truphena Muthoni last month.

Following his collapse, Kenyans congratulated him for the milestone he achieved, despite not reaching the 80-hour target he had planned.

Kenyans React to the Pastor Not Reaching the 80 Hour Mark

A social media user on Facebook, going by the name Kenyanomics, said:

“We have a new champion. Congratulations, Pastor James Irungu. You did your best. Hugging a tree for 78 hours isn’t a joke. His target was 80 hours, but he almost lost his life just 2 hours short. Aliona Sayuni na view once akasema hapana. You can’t endure death trying to please the world.”

Lyzuralu Lyzuralu also congratulated the pastor, saying:

“To Pastor James Irungu, congratulations. You are a hero, you are unique. Wishing you a quick recovery. Better to try and fail than fail to try.”

Pastor James Irungu was on a quest to break Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging record. In December 2025, 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni completed a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County to raise awareness for climate issues and mental health.

Also Read: Why Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Guinness World Record Matters

She surpassed her previous official Guinness World Record of 48 hours, which had been set earlier in 2025 and ratified by Guinness.

Her 72-hour achievement received widespread celebration, earning her awards such as the Head of State Commendation (HSC) from President Ruto, a full university scholarship, and other recognitions.

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Collage photo of Pastor James Irungu. PHOTO/Kenya Mpya