Kericho OCS participating in tree-hugging challenge disengaged, hospitalised over 'depression'

A senior police officer in Kericho County was on Monday disengaged from a tree and later hospitalised after he was found participating in a viral tree-hugging challenge within a police station compound.

According to a police report filed at Sosiot Police Station on Tuesday, the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), CI Kennedy Wanjala, was found hugging a tree within the station compound while in full police uniform.

“The Belgut Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) and the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) were alerted while on routine duties that the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), CI Kennedy Wanjala, had resorted to tree hugging challenge within the station compound,” stated the police report.

Officers who visited the scene confirmed the incident that had attracted a large number of members of the public.

Police say the senior officer was then disengaged from the tree and spoken to.

Ever since Climate activist Truphena Muthoni set a worldrecord for hugging a tree for 72 hours straight, a number of Kenyans have come out to try to surpass the record.

Muthoni's record-breaking gesture led to a Murang’a-based pastor, James Irungu, breaking the record after he clocked 79 hours, but collapsed just an hour before completing his 80-hour target.

Pastor Irungu was forced to end the endurance challenge at the 79-hour mark after his body gave in to exhaustion.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has raised concerns over the emerging trend of people engaging in prolonged tree-hugging, with reports indicating that some participants have suffered health complications serious enough to require hospitalisation.

Addressing residents in Ngiriambu, Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said individuals should undergo proper medical check-ups before taking part in physically demanding activities to rule out underlying health conditions that could pose a risk to their lives.