What was meant to be a triumphant moment in Murang’a County nearly turned tragic after 30-year-old cancer crusader James Irungu collapsed just minutes before completing an ambitious world-record attempt that had captured national attention.

Irungu, who had embarked on a marathon tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness about cancer, is now under round-the-clock medical observation after doctors confirmed that his kidneys failed following extreme physical exhaustion.

Medical officials at Murang’a Level Five Hospital said on January 8 that Irungu was rushed to the facility after collapsing, just a few minutes shy of his target.

By that time, he had already surpassed the yet-to-be-officially recognised 72-hour record previously achieved by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni.

Murang’a County Health Chief Officer Eliud Maina said Irungu was immediately placed under specialised care after presenting with alarming symptoms associated with prolonged physical strain.

“He is being managed for dizziness, extreme fatigue, irritability and general body weakness. He is stable, conscious and not in any life-threatening condition at the moment, but he is under 24-hour medical observation because of kidney failure,” said Mr Maina.

Doctors warned that such endurance challenges place immense strain on vital organs, particularly the kidneys, and urged Kenyans planning similar feats to undergo full medical evaluation before attempting them.

Irungu had begun the challenge on January 5 in Murang’a town’s Central Business District, drawing crowds and online attention as the hours ticked by.

His aim was not only to break a record but also to use the moment to amplify cancer awareness.

The incident has now cast a medical spotlight on the growing culture of endurance record attempts, raising concerns about safety, preparation and health screening.

Irungu’s effort had drawn massive public interest, with local leaders, content creators and residents turning the scene into a spectacle of encouragement, politics and activism.

The county government deployed security officers, stationed medical teams and even provided an ambulance on standby as the challenge progressed.

Ironically, the young activist had earlier brushed off online ridicule and scepticism, winning over critics as he pushed past 24 hours and into uncharted territory.

Even Ms Muthoni, whose record he sought to surpass, visited him to encourage him, declaring that they were “partners in humanity” rather than rivals.

While it remains unclear whether his 79-hour attempt will meet the strict verification standards of Guinness World Records, Irungu has already etched his name into public consciousness as a man whose passion pushed his body to the brink.