An Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Sossiot Police Station in Kericho County, Chief Inspector Kennedy Wanjala, was taken for medical evaluation after being found hugging a tree while on duty. Superiors noted he appeared depressed and emotionally distressed, marking a concerning incident amidst a trend of tree-hugging challenges.

• The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2025, inside the station compound.
• Chief Inspector Kennedy Wanjala was found in full uniform, attracting a crowd of curious onlookers.
• The event was recorded under OB No. 15/20/01/2025 at 10:45 am, with officers reporting a "tree-hugging challenge."
• This follows a national trend sparked by environmental conservationist Truphena Muthoni, who completed a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon on December 11.
• The Ministry of Health, led by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, has cautioned against prolonged tree-hugging stunts due to health risks.
• Police are treating the incident as a health and welfare matter, not disciplinary.