- John Wanderi broke the tree-hugging record by completing a 105-hour challenge to raise awareness about drug abuse
- In an interview with activist Davy Wa Timboroa, he urged the government to support Wanderi, highlighting the importance of his cause
- Wanderi appealed to Guinness World Records for verification after his achievement in a very harsh environment
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has five years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Baringo: The Form Four student who embarked on a tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness about drug abuse in Timboroa has successfully hit his 105-hour mark.
Source: Facebook
John Wanderi, a student at Kamura Mixed Secondary School, began hugging a tree on Monday, January 26, at 8pm to break environmentalist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour record and to push the government combat the ‘killer monster.’
When did John Wanderi complete tree-hugging challenge?
Upon completing the challenge on Saturday, January 31, Wanderi was received by hundreds of Kenyans who showered him with praise.
In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, a community activist, Davy Wa Timboroa, said Timboroa residents condemned the government for allegedly ignoring the noble cause.
“He shocked everyone and everyone was happy including passers-by. He was taken to the hospital for tests and given a clean bill of health. He now hopes that the government will prioritise the fight against drug abuse that has consumed youths from the area. This area is a drug zone, and the leaders know that. Many have died, and others wasted away, including Wanderi’s primary school classmates,” Davy said.
“Only members of our community, including MCA Ben Igondi, supported him. No leader came outside Timboroa. Even the governor did not come to witness this achievement. We want to challenge leaders, including President William Ruto, to come and help us, especially the Shauri community, where cases of drug abuse and land issues are rampant. This area has been abandoned, yet we wake up every election period to vote for them,” a woman lamented.
Despite having a leg injury, Wanderi endured the cold to complete the challenge on a highway with no government-sponsored security.
Did Wanderi appeal to Guinness World Records?
While highlighting Wanderi’s mission despite his humble background, Davy pleaded with Kenyans to support him and to push for his new record to be ratified by the Guinness World Records.
“Though a student, Wanderi is deeply invested in the future of many young people. We are asking for support for this humble boy. We ask Guinness World Records to verify and ratify this record, and this is his only prayer. It will help a lot in ending the abuse of drugs here and beyond,” he said while expressing hope that the government would prioritise addressing the alcohol abuse situation in their backyard.
Source: Facebook
Wanderi also urged the government to allow Kenyans to attempt breaking his record under similar conditions to assess their endurance.
He cited Timboroa as the best spot, due to its harsh environment.
Was Truphena Muthoni’s tree-hugging record ratified?
Meanwhile, the Guinness World Records ratified Muthoni’s record after more than a month of review.
Muthoni’s goal was to elevate and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honour the wisdom of indigenous peoples.
The environmentalist expressed joy and gratitude to all Kenyans who supported her during the three-day challenge.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
