Eldoret Man Spends 48 Hours on Tree to Campaign Against Drug Abuse

A 29-year-old man in Eldoret has climbed and remained atop a tree in a public park for 48 hours as part of a campaign against drug abuse among young people.

Thomas Kipkemboi, popularly known as Kapkeno, began the protest on Monday at Nandi Gardens and is expected to come down on Wednesday afternoon. He says the action is meant to encourage discussion about the impact of substance abuse, which he believes is increasingly affecting youth in the region. 

Since the start of the vigil, members of the public have gathered at the park, while images and videos have circulated on social media. Kipkemboi is seated on a pillow placed between strong branches and is dressed warmly to endure the cold. He is taking glucose to maintain his energy during the challenge. 

To avoid leaving the tree, he prepared by abstaining from food and drink before beginning the protest. Every hour, he displays a poster bearing the name of one of Kenya’s 47 counties. A final banner is set aside for the last hour to represent national unity in addressing drug abuse. Friends climb the tree periodically to replace the posters.

Speaking to journalists by phone, Kipkemboi said his decision was driven by personal experience. He explained that several of his friends have lost their jobs due to drug use, while others are currently undergoing rehabilitation. He added that he has seen the health effects of substance abuse among young people in Eldoret and urged them to focus on productive activities instead.

The campaign is being supported by a group of friends who have remained at the site throughout the protest. One of them, Victor Kimuta, said they are providing security and coordination. He noted that many young people and other visitors have stopped by the park to encourage Kipkemboi and share photos of the event online.