An Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Kennedy Wanjala, was referred to hospital after attempting the viral tree-hugging challenge on Tuesday, January 20, at Sossiot Police Station. Other officers intervened when members of the public gathered, noting Wanjala appeared to be under emotional distress.

• Wanjala was disengaged from the tree after attracting a large crowd, with officers reporting him to the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) in Belgut.
• The Ministry of Health, through Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, warned on January 15 that prolonged tree hugging poses serious health risks and advised medical check-ups beforehand.
• The tree-hugging challenge gained traction after Truphena Muthoni's 72-hour initiative to raise environmental awareness.