A woman from Bungoma named Florence Onyango has hugged a tree for 74 hours to protest against corruption in Kenya. The act started as a way to draw attention to graft in government. It ended when she was rushed to hospital from exhaustion.
During the event, residents chased away Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga when she tried to give Onyango Sh10,000. They rejected the money and told the MP to leave.
Onyango began her challenge on January 13, 2026, in a public spot in Bungoma town. She picked a tree and stayed there day and night. Her goal was to highlight how corruption hurts ordinary people. She said leaders steal public money while citizens suffer.
Onyango hugged the tree without breaks for food or rest. Supporters brought her water at times. Crowds gathered to watch and cheer her on. Some joined for short periods to show solidarity.
The protest lasted three days. By the end, Onyango looked weak. Medics took her to Bungoma County Referral Hospital on January 16. Doctors said she had dehydration and fatigue but nothing serious. She rested there for checks. Onyango told visitors she felt her message got out. She called for probes into corrupt deals in the county and beyond.
During the event, locals turned away politicians who came to see her. Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga showed up with Sh10,000 as a gift. She said it was to support Onyango’s cause. But the crowd shouted her down.
They chanted against corruption and told her to go. Some said her money came from public funds. Wambilianga left without giving the cash. A video of the moment spread online fast.
Governor Ken Lusaka faced similar treatment. Gen Z youths chased him from the hospital when he visited Onyango. They said he only came after her protest gained attention. Lusaka left without speaking to her. The youths called for leaders to act on corruption, not just show up for photos.
Onyango’s act inspired many. People online shared her story with hashtags against graft. Some said it shows how fed up citizens are with theft in government.
Others praised her bravery as a single mother facing hardships. Onyango works as a farmer in Tongaren. She said corruption takes money meant for roads and schools in her area.
Bungoma has seen protests before. Youths often speak out on bad governance. Onyango’s tree hug drew from global acts like those for the environment. But she tied it to local issues. She hugged the tree to symbolise holding on until change comes.
Leaders reacted in mixed ways. Some MPs called for talks on graft. Others stayed quiet. Anti-corruption bodies have not commented yet. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission handles many cases in counties like Bungoma.
Onyango rested at home after discharge. She said she might do more if nothing changes. Supporters started a fund for her family. They raised small amounts online. Her story put Bungoma in the spotlight for a day.
This event shows growing frustration in rural areas. People use unique ways to voice concerns. Tree hugging might seem odd, but it got attention. Onyango hopes leaders listen and act.
