Doctors' warning: Tree-hugging protest risks one's lives or health

What started as a solitary act of endurance and protest has, within months, grown into one of Kenya’s most talked-about social media crazes, drawing admiration, curiosity and serious concern from medical experts.

Since late last year, Kenyans across the country have taken to hugging trees for hours and in some cases days to draw attention to a wide range of causes, from environmental conservation and mental health to cancer awareness, the plight of the boy child and insecurity.

The trend first gained national attention after environmental activist Truphena Muthoni staged a silent protest against irresponsible tree cutting, forest land-use changes and the continued degradation of water catchment areas.

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