Pastor James “Jimmy” Irungu collapsed early Thursday morning while taking part in a physically demanding cancer awareness campaign in Murang’a County.
The incident happened at around 6:29 a.m., barely an hour before the planned end of an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge he had set out to complete to draw attention to cancer and environmental health issues in Kenya.
Irungu began the challenge on Sunday, January 4, committing to stay in constant physical contact with a tree for 80 consecutive hours. The action was meant to serve as a symbol, linking environmental protection to human health, especially in relation to cancer. For several days, he remained at the site with limited movement as supporters visited, prayed, and followed his progress closely.
Witnesses at the scene said that after nearly 79 hours of standing without proper rest, Irungu suddenly fainted. Those nearby responded quickly and arranged for him to be rushed to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital.
Medical staff at the facility immediately took over his care and placed him under observation to monitor his condition. Organizers of the event had earlier arranged for medical personnel to be on standby, aware of the risks that came with prolonged immobility and physical strain.
The challenge had attracted significant public attention throughout the week. Supporters viewed the effort as a bold way of forcing a conversation around cancer, a disease that continues to affect thousands of Kenyan families every year.
The event was scheduled to end at 5:27 a.m. on Thursday, a moment Irungu hoped would mark both a personal achievement and a strong public statement on the need to treat cancer as a national concern.
Irungu had consistently explained that his actions were not meant to be a publicity stunt. He said the exercise was a symbolic reminder that environmental degradation and human health are closely connected.
During an earlier briefing, he warned about the widespread use of chemicals in food production and farming, arguing that protecting the environment is directly linked to protecting lives.
His message called for greater awareness of how pollution and unsafe farm inputs may contribute to long-term health problems, including cancer.
Kenya continues to face a growing cancer crisis, with many patients struggling to access affordable screening and treatment, especially outside major towns. Irungu used his campaign to urge the government and the private sector to treat cancer as an emergency.
He called for increased funding for screening programs, better-equipped treatment facilities, and wider public education to help people detect the disease early.
Despite the concern caused by his collapse, supporters have remained hopeful about his recovery. Rosemary Ndung’u, a volunteer who had been present at the site, said Irungu has always been passionate about health and environmental issues and believed the challenge was his way of making people pay attention to a problem often ignored. Many supporters echoed similar sentiments, saying the campaign had already achieved its goal by sparking conversation.
However, the challenge also attracted criticism from some health advocates and environmental groups. Critics questioned whether such a physically risky demonstration truly benefited cancer patients who need immediate and practical support. Others raised concerns that the exercise may have placed Irungu’s own health in danger without offering clear solutions.