NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 15 – The Ministry of Health has cautioned members of the public against engaging in strenuous activities such as prolonged tree hugging without proper medical check-ups and physical preparation.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has raised alarm over what she termed as a worrying trend, noting that some individuals have collapsed and ended up in hospital after hugging trees for long periods.
“Tree hugging may look harmless, but when done for long hours it becomes a strenuous physical activity that can pose serious health risks. We have recorded cases of people being rushed to hospital after collapsing, yet these incidents could have been avoided,” said Muthoni.
The PS emphasized that individuals should first undergo medical examinations to rule out underlying health conditions before engaging in such activities.
“Before you subject your body to any demanding exercise, it is important to know your health status. Some people have hidden conditions that can easily lead to loss of life when the body is overstretched,” she warned.
Muthoni’s observation comes after Pastor James “Jimmy” Irungu collapsed early January 8, 2026 morning after spending nearly 79 hours and 40 minutes hugging a tree in an ambitious 80-hour marathon aimed at raising awareness about cancer.
The 30-year-old pastor from Murang’a County was taken to Murang’a County Level Five Hospital, where doctors say he suffered from dehydration and fatigue.
The existing record for the longest tree-hugging marathon is held by Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni, who previously completed a 48-hour challenge.
Speaking in Ngiriambu, Gichugu constituency in Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, January 15,2026, where she attended a burial ceremony, Muthoni added that proper preparation and rehearsal are also critical.
“You can not wake up and decide to engage in strenuous activity without training. The body must be prepared gradually to avoid serious complications,” she said.
At the same time, the PS cautioned health facilities against exploiting patients using the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) cover, insisting that Kenyans deserve value for their contributions.
“It is unacceptable for hospitals to overcharge SHA cards just to make profits at the expense of sick and vulnerable patients,” Muthoni stated.
She singled out some private and mission hospitals accused of inflating bills and directed all health facilities to clearly display services offered.
“Hospitals must clearly indicate what services are free, which ones are covered by SHA and what patients are expected to pay out of pocket. This will help patients make informed decisions and avoid exploitation,” she said.
Muthoni reiterated that the ministry will not hesitate to take action against facilities found abusing the health insurance system, noting that the reforms are meant to protect, not burden, patients.
