Pastor James Irungu from Murang’a collapsed after hugging a tree for 79 hours and 40 minutes. He aimed to beat the 80-hour mark and top the record by tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni.
People at the site rushed to help him. Then they took him for medical care. Officials say he is stable at Murang’a County Level Five Hospital.
Murang’a County Youth Affairs CEC Manoah Gachucha said Pastor Jimmy Irungu is at Muranga Level Five Hospital for checks. His vital organs are fine. It is just fatigue. Our medics are giving him good care.
He is stable. His blood pressure and tests look good. Doctors say he will leave in a few hours.
Many Kenyans followed the event closely. They shared updates as time went on. The challenge meant hugging a tree nonstop.
A big crowd gathered in Murang’a town earlier. The 30-year-old hugged the tree to raise cancer awareness.
The crowd cheered loud when he passed Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour mark from nearby Nyeri County. They sang and danced for him.
Muthoni got praise for her 48-hour hug. Her 72-hour try waits for Guinness World Records approval.
Irungu began Sunday. He plans to finish Thursday at 5:27 a.m.
Social media stars, leaders, and Muthoni visited Murang’a to cheer him. Artists sang for the crowd.
Kenyans asked the government to cut cancer treatment costs. They want easier screening at the local level.
Radio host Essie Wa Mahatha lost her mom and two siblings to cancer.
She called it a big sacrifice. A young man pushed his body to highlight the disease.
Murang’a Township MCA Charles Karina praised Irungu. He raised the town’s and county’s name high.
Many came from other counties to watch. This boosted local business.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said medics stand ready to check his health and keep him safe.
After recovery, the governor wants to talk ways to use his ideas against cancer.
His brother John Irungu did not take it seriously at first. He kept going past day one.
John said it is tough. He once tried fasting for prayer but craved a hotel by day’s end.
Irungu started after seeing church members fight cancer. He calls it a quiet killer in many homes.
