Kericho residents were left in shock after a young man identified as Brian from Chepseon was forced to end his planned 72-hour tree-hugging challenge after a donation box meant to support his cause was stolen.
Brian had started the unusual endurance challenge with hopes of raising money to buy a motorcycle.
His effort attracted the attention of locals and social media users, many of whom praised his determination and creativity.
The challenge began with Brian firmly hugging a tree, promising to remain there for 72 continuous hours. The marathon was expected to end on Tuesday, January 27, at exactly 12 noon.
A donation box was placed in front of him to allow well-wishers to contribute towards his dream.
As hours passed, crowds gathered to cheer him on. Supporters offered words of encouragement, while others dropped money into the donation box.
Brian successfully completed 52 hours of the challenge without any problems, drawing admiration from residents and online followers.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on Monday evening at around 8 PM when an unidentified individual allegedly snatched the donation box. Witnesses say confusion erupted as people tried to figure out what had happened.
In a moment of instinct, Brian reportedly left the tree to chase after the suspect, bringing his endurance challenge to an abrupt end.
Many supporters who had gathered in anticipation of his successful finish were left disappointed and angry over the incident.
Residents condemned the theft, describing it as unfortunate and discouraging to community-driven initiatives.
Local leaders called for calm and urged authorities to investigate the matter and bring the culprit to justice.
Despite the premature ending, Brian’s story has continued to inspire many, sparking discussions on perseverance, honesty, and the need to protect goodwill efforts.
The incident has since gone viral, with Kenyans expressing both admiration for Brian’s determination and outrage over the theft.
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