62-year-old Meru man hospitalised after breaking 90-hour tree-hugging record

Simon Maraurau, 62, from Naari Nchiigi village in Meru County, has been hospitalised after a 90-hour tree-hugging protest to draw attention to elephant invasions and prolonged drought in his community.

Maraurau said he took the drastic step out of frustration after elephants destroyed his home in 2014, and he never received compensation.

“Nyumba yangu ilibomolewa na ndovu sijalipwa 2014. Sisi tuko karibu na msitu na mimi nashangaa kwa nini hatulipwi,” he said.

He explained that the elephants were attracted by pumpkins on his farm, which led to the destruction of his house. With no help from authorities, his neighbours rebuilt a new home.

“Nyumba yangu ilibomolewa na ndovu kwa sababu ya malenge, na nikasaidiwa na majirani kujenga ingine mpya. Hata nilishangaa sana,” he added.

Maraurau chose to hug a moringa tree for 90 hours, saying it symbolised resilience in the face of hardship.

“Niliamua kukaa kwa mti unaitwa muringa, kwa sababu hakuna mvua, na ndovu inafanya damage kwa shamba na hawataki kujua,” he said.

He explained that enduring 90 hours without leaving the tree was deliberate, meant to reflect the suffering of families living near wildlife habitats.

The movement was inspired by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, who set a Guinness World Record in 2025 by hugging a tree for 72 hours. Many have since followed her example.

Muthoni, a 22-year-old Kenyan environmental activist and Scout, gained global attention in early 2025 by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest tree-hugging marathon at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park, maintaining contact with a tree for 48 hours.

In December 2025, she broke her own record in Nyeri County, hugging a royal palm tree for 72 hours in harsh conditions as a silent protest advocating for indigenous forest protection and mental health benefits of nature.

Her feats earned national recognition, including appointment as Ambassador for the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a Head of State Commendation, a full scholarship from Mount Kenya University, and support from local businesses.

Muthoni’s achievements also sparked a “tree-hugging craze” in Kenya, inspiring others to use endurance challenges for social and health causes.