From Tree Hugs to Tough Truths: When Meru Decided to Hug Back Against Cancer
Apostle Dennis Murimi (with a cap) is joined by a fan as he tries an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge to raise Cancer Awareness in Meru. Photo/Felix Kinyua. Late last year, a 22-year-old environmental conservationist, Truphena Muthoni , reminded the world that trees need love too — and not just the occasional glance. She hugged a tree for 72 straight hours, earning herself a Guinness World Record and a stiff neck, all in the name of indigenous tree preservation. Inspired by this leafy legacy, the “ hugging movement” has officially landed closer to home — right in the heart of Meru Makutano . Enter Apostle Dennis Murimi , affectionately known by supporters as the man of the cloak , who has decided that if trees could speak, they would probably say: “ Thank you for noticing cancer too.” Apostle Murimi has embarked on an 80-hour tree-hugging challenge, not for records or bragging rights, but to raise cancer awareness — a cause that urgently needs more than thoughts and prayers. And ...