Drama unfolded at Sossiot Police Station in Belgut, Kericho County, on Tuesday, January 20, after the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Kennedy Wanjala, was found hugging a tree within the station compound, prompting concern among colleagues and members of the public.
According to police reports, officers at the station were forced to intervene after a crowd began gathering to witness the incident.
The matter was reported to the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) in Belgut, after which senior officers visited the station to assess the situation.
The OCS was later disengaged from the tree and escorted away for further evaluation. Police said he appeared emotionally distressed during questioning and was subsequently referred for medical attention.
“He was disengaged from the tree after attracting a large number of members of the public,” an official report stated. “After being talked to, he appeared depressed and required medical attention.”
The incident comes amid the growing popularity of the tree-hugging challenge in Kenya, a trend that has seen individuals hug trees for extended periods to draw attention to various causes.
The challenge was popularised by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, who completed a 72-hour tree-hugging campaign on December 11 last year to promote environmental conservation, surpassing her earlier 48-hour record.
In the weeks that followed, several Kenyans attempted similar feats, including Murang’a-based pastor Jimmy Irungu, who collapsed on January 8 after hugging a tree for nearly 80 hours as part of a cancer awareness campaign.
In another case, a young man in Limuru, Kiambu County, undertook the challenge to raise funds for his Grade 10 brother’s education.
As the trend gains momentum, the Ministry of Health has issued a warning over the potential health risks associated with prolonged tree hugging.
Speaking on January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni urged participants to undergo medical check-ups before attempting the challenge.
“We are not stopping anyone from participating in the tree-hugging challenge, but you must first undergo a medical check-up to ensure that you are medically fit,” Muthoni said, noting that several participants had collapsed and required hospitalisation after undertaking the challenge without medical assessment.
Authorities continue to caution the public to prioritise their health and safety while engaging in awareness campaigns.
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