Flora Onyango Completes 74-hr Tree Hugging Challenge.
Flora Onyango, a 23-year-old resident of Mbakalo Ward in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County, has successfully concluded her remarkable 74-hour tree-hugging challenge today at 3:04 p.m.
The symbolic protest, aimed to pressure both the county and national governments to intensify the fight against corruption in public offices.
Onyango, who traveled from Nairobi to her home county for the act, clung to a tree along the railway line opposite Posta Grounds in Bungoma town,The endurance feat was intended to highlight the deep-rooted damage caused by graft, drawing parallels to the tree's steadfast roots as a symbol of a society under siege from corruption. She described the protest as a call for stronger action from anti-corruption agencies and greater accountability from leaders.
The challenge garnered significant attention, with residents and supporters gathering to show solidarity. Transport activities in parts of Bungoma town were reportedly disrupted as locals celebrated her determination and commitment to civic activism.
Upon completing the 74 hours challenge,Onyango was honored in a small ceremony. Catherine Wambilianga, the representative from the Office of the Woman Representative for Bungoma County, presented her with KSh 10,000 in recognition of her efforts. Wambilianga praised Onyango's courage, congratulated her on the successful completion, and pledged continued support for similar initiatives that promote integrity and good governance.
This protest follows a pattern of creative, non-violent demonstrations in Kenya, where young people have used symbolic acts—such as extended tree-hugging—to spotlight pressing social and environmental issues. Onyango's action has sparked discussions on whether such symbolic gestures can translate into real systemic change against corruption, with some commending the dedication while others call for more direct accountability measures like investigations and prosecutions.
