- John Wanderi spoke to TUKO.co.ke about why he took on the challenge of hugging trees for 105 hours on an unguarded highway in Timboroa
- Wanderi explained his personal experience that could not stop him from taking the challenge despite being injured
- The community gathered around Wanderi for his dedication, hoping to celebrate after his record attempt was completed
Baringo: Another young Kenyan has joined the tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness about drug abuse in Timboroa and elsewhere.
Source: Original
John Wanderi, a form four student at Kamura Mixed High School, aims to beat Truphena Muthoni’s record of 72 hours due to rampant drug abuse in his community.
The latest attempt comes after several Kenyans took part in a challenge to follow a different course, to address major national issues.
Although many of the cases appeared to be genuine, some officials targeted the citizens involved, accusing them of fraud.
Why did Wanderi start the 105-hour tree-hugging exercise?
However, in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Wanderi, through activist David Ndung’u, popularly known as Davy wa Timboroa, revealed that he has been concerned about drug abuse for many years, especially among the youth.
Speaking in the area, he noted that Wanderi’s elder brother, who was previously the protector of their family, had also fallen into the same trap, intensifying the family’s struggle.
“Marijuana is sold in this area at a very high level despite the small number of people. We have about 20 clubs with churches and very few hotels. Drug dens are known, but the implementation is negligent, giving room for networks to expand. Wanderi’s main goal of participating in this challenge is to get the government to put a ban on the abuse of drugs in the area. He said he has seen many of his colleagues lose their lives, while others also die from addiction,” Davy revealed.
Committed to the course, the 20-year-old initially proposed a 120-hour challenge but later reduced it to 105 hours after residents complained about the long duration.
As soon as the local authorities gave him the go-ahead, he began the challenge on an unguarded highway on Monday, January 26, at 8 p.m.
Davy revealed that the young man had chosen a high-risk area of the forest, an area they had forbidden him to use.
“People should look at the environment to make those records. He wanted to do it in a very dangerous place in the forest despite the lack of security, but we refused. Later he settled on the highway, although Timboroa is very cold,” he said.
Source: Original
Is John Wanderi healthy?
Although he hopes to achieve his mission, his supporters raised concerns about his health, citing a past leg injury.
According to the student, the injury reminds him of a dream that has yet to be fulfilled; therefore, he remains undeterred by any proposals to end the challenge.
“He was attacked while helping his family after his brother became an addict. The pain always reminds him of the scars that addiction leaves on different families,” Davy said.
The pledge drew praise from unemployed youth and addicts, who called on the government to recognize his sacrifice, deal with the ‘killer beast,’ and employ them.
Lembus County Member of Parliament, Ben Igondi, was also moved by Wanderi’s attempt and gave him modest support. He hinted about paying his fees due to his poor background.
Furthermore, his followers vowed to hold a celebration in his honor as he expressed hope that Guinness World Records would approve his record if he reached the 105-hour mark.
“Wanderi wants Guinness World Records to confirm his record after reaching the 105-hour mark. He will complete the challenge on Saturday, February 1, at 5 am. Then he will be rushed to the hospital for examination. MCA requested that we, with the help of the government, hold a big celebration for him because he is a fighter and he is sincerely trying to save the community and the country in general,” Davy said.
Did Guinness World Records approve Truphena’s tree-hugging record?
Meanwhile, Guinness World Records recognized Muthoni’s record after more than a month of review.
Muthoni took part in a 72-hour challenge at Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga’s office in December 2025 to promote and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and respect for the wisdom of indigenous people.
The victory came just months after he set the 48-hour record earlier in 2025.
Muthoni expressed happiness after his record was approved and appreciated all the Kenyans who supported him.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
