Kenya: Pastor James Irungu Collapses 79 Hours Into 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Challenge, Rushed to Hospital

Kenya: Pastor James Irungu Collapses 79 Hours Into 80-Hour Tree-Hugging Challenge, Rushed to Hospital

Nairobi -- Pastor James Irungu, a Murang'a resident who set out to break the national tree-hugging endurance record, collapsed just minutes before completing his 80-hour marathon challenge.

The moment Murang’a pastor collapsed while trying an 80-hour tree-hugging cancer awareness challenge

Thursday, January 8, 2026 - Murang’a Pastor, James Irungu, who was attempting to break Kenya’s longest tree-hugging record, collapsed after enduring 79 hours and 40 minutes of his ambitious 80-hour marathon challenge aimed at raising awareness about cancer. Witnesses at the venue in Murang’a Town said the pastor collapsed moments before completing the final stretch of the challenge. Members of the public and organizers rushed to his aid before h…

Murang’a pastor suffered kidney injury during 80-hour tree hug attempt, doctor confirms

Dr James Kahura has said Jimmy Irungu is now stable.

Medics say Murang’a man in 80-hour tree-hugging challenge suffered kidney failure

James Irungu’s bid to break the 72-hour world record attempt for marathon tree hugging—set by environmental activist Ms Truphena Muthoni—nearly ended in tears after he collapsed at the 79th hour, just one hour short of the 80 hours he had set for himself. Medics say he is now under 24-hour hospital observation after his kidneys failed. […]

Jimmy Irungu speaks after collapsing hour before completing his 80-hour tree-hugging record attempt

Pastor Jimmy Irungu collapsed after 79 hours during his 80-hour tree-hugging challenge for cancer awareness. He hinted at returning to complete it after resting.

Pastor Irungu Collapses, Hospitalised Over the Tree Hugging Challenge

Pastor James Irungu, also known as Jimmy Irungu, collapsed during the 79th hour of his 80-hour tree-hugging challenge in Murang’a, Kenya. The 30-year-old preacher from Kahuro was rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital early on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Doctors say he is in stable condition and receiving treatment. Irungu started the challenge on Sunday, […] Source