A woman in Turkana has defied a Ministry of Health warning by starting a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge to protest the high cost of diabetes treatment.
Priscillah Ng’ipuo, who began the challenge at 6am on Monday, was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago. Currently weak and unable to engage in income-generating activities to afford medication and specialised food, she is appealing to President William Ruto to make diabetes treatment free.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni had earlier cautioned the public against engaging in extreme physical activities, warning that a lack of proper medical checks and preparation could expose participants to serious health risks. She urged anyone attempting such challenges to ensure they are medically fit and adequately trained.
Truphena Muthoni currently holds the record for the longest tree-hugging marathon at 48 hours, while her earlier 72-hour attempt in Nyeri County is still awaiting ratification by Guinness World Records.
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