Tree-hugging protester collapses after 90-hour vigil outside Embu governor’s office

A 28-year-old man, Eric Munene, from Ciambugu Village in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, collapsed after spending 90 hours hugging a tree outside the Embu governor’s office in a peaceful protest demanding basic services for his community.

Mr Munene’s protest was aimed at pushing authorities to improve health care, road infrastructure, water supply and electricity in what residents describe as a marginalised area.

His endurance drew crowds, with hundreds of locals gathering to cheer him on as the unusual protest stretched into its fourth day.

However, after completing the 90-hour vigil, Mr Munene appeared weak and exhausted and was later transported by ambulance to Embu Level 5 Hospital for medical check-up and care.

“Huyu kijana ameshinda kwa mti zaidi ya watu wanavyoshinda kwa ofisi,” one resident quipped, as medics attended to him.

According to his family, Mr Munene resorted to the dramatic protest due to the long distances and poor infrastructure that make access to essential services difficult.

His mother said residents of Ciambugu and nearby Nthawa areas often struggle to reach medical facilities, especially during emergencies such as childbirth.

Mr Munene was taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital, the county’s main referral facility offering emergency, specialist and inpatient services.

While his protest sparked humour online, many say it carried a serious message--that some Kenyans now feel they must cling to trees for their voices to be heard.

Before the recent tree-hugging protester in Embu fainted, another high-profile tree-hugging marathon had already captured Kenyans’ attention: 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni. She made international headlines in December 2025 by hugging an indigenous tree continuously for 72 hours, breaking her own previous world endurance record. 

Muthoni began her challenge on December 8, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds, determined to bring attention to forest conservation, protection of indigenous trees, and the connection between nature and mental health. She endured cold nights, heavy rains and exhaustion without food, water or breaks, and by 11 December at 12:25 pm she had completed the 72-hour embrace, a feat celebrated by locals and supporters with cheers and dancing.

Days later, a 30-year-old pastor, James (Jimmy) Irungu, from Kamaguta village in Mugoiri sub-county, Murang’a County, fainted just 20 minutes short of an ambitious 80-hour tree-hugging challenge meant to raise awareness about cancer.

He was rushed to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital for treatment after clocking 79 hours and 40 minutes hugging a tree in Murang’a town.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has cautioned that prolonged tree hugging can become physically strenous, urging activists to seek approvals from authorities.

PS Muthoni said participants in search challenges must observe necessary health protocols and have measures in place incase of any emergency.