Murang’a Man Begins 80-Hour Tree-Hug Protest to Demand Better Cancer Care in Kenya

A 30-year-old man in Murang’a has begun an 80-hour protest by hugging a tree continuously to demand stronger government action on cancer care in Kenya.

James Irungu started the endurance challenge on Sunday evening in Murang’a town and said he plans to remain holding the tree until early Thursday morning. By Monday afternoon, he had completed 12 hours, as residents stopped by at intervals to watch and offer support while he continued despite visible exhaustion.

Irungu said the protest is motivated by personal loss and concern over the financial strain cancer places on families. Several of his relatives have died from the disease, which he described as both medically and economically devastating. He said many households are forced to sell land or take loans to cover treatment costs, yet patients still lose their lives.

He criticised the limited availability of comprehensive cancer treatment facilities in Kenya, saying many patients are compelled to seek care abroad, particularly in India. According to Irungu, the expense of travelling overseas for treatment places it beyond the reach of most families. He said the lack of adequate local facilities leaves many patients without realistic options.

Irungu has called on the government to declare cancer a national disaster and to launch large-scale awareness and screening campaigns. He compared the current situation to the HIV/AIDS response in the 1990s and early 2000s, when widespread public messaging encouraged testing and early intervention.

The protest follows a series of endurance-based awareness campaigns in the country. Truphena Muthoni from Nyeri holds a record of 48 hours for a tree-hugging marathon, while her 72-hour attempt is awaiting confirmation by Guinness World Records. Irungu said his aim is to exceed those durations, but stressed that his focus is on raising awareness rather than setting records.

Kenya continues to record rising cancer cases, with treatment costs placing significant pressure on families. Health advocates have repeatedly called for increased investment in local treatment centres and sustained public education on early detection.

Irungu said he hopes his actions will encourage people to seek screening and prompt leaders to address gaps in cancer prevention and care.