Another show of resilience and determination and care as Stephen Gachanja successfully completes a demanding 50-hour tree-hugging challenge at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi, drawing public attention to his family’s urgent appeal for medical support for his sick brother.
The emotional endurance challenge, which ran uninterrupted for more than two days, attracted dozens of supporters who gathered at the park while thousands more followed the journey online through live updates and videos shared across social media platforms.
Gachanja, a fourteen year old, visibly exhausted but determined, remained standing while hugging a tree throughout the period, symbolizing resilience, hope and unwavering family commitment.
Speaking after completing the challenge, Gachanja expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans who offered encouragement and financial support, noting that the initiative was born out of desperation to save his brother’s life. He said all funds raised would go directly towards covering medical bills and related treatment expenses.
The challenge quickly gained traction online, with many Kenyans praising the young activist’s courage and sacrifice. Messages of solidarity poured in from individuals, civil society groups and environmental advocates, some of whom physically visited Jeevanjee Gardens to show support.
While tree-hugging campaigns in Kenya have often been associated with environmental activism, organizers clarified that Gachanja’s challenge was purely humanitarian, aimed at mobilizing goodwill to help meet rising healthcare costs that continue to burden many families.
As the challenge concluded, supporters broke into applause, marking the end of a grueling but successful fundraising effort that has since sparked renewed debate on access to affordable healthcare and the extraordinary measures ordinary citizens are forced to take in times of crisis.
