A middle-aged man from Makindu in Makueni County has on Wednesday night embarked on an unusual but deeply symbolic protest by hugging a tree continuously for 47 hours, using the silent act to draw attention to the growing crisis of youth unemployment, rising cost of living, and the need for environmental consciousness among young people.
The man, identified as Gideon Mumo, says his action is a direct appeal to the government to rethink its priorities by creating meaningful job opportunities for young people and deliberately opening up public institutions to youthful employment. At the same time, he hopes the protest will inspire a new attitude toward tree planting and environmental conservation, especially among the youth who remain the most affected by climate change and economic hardship.
Speaking while firmly holding onto the tree, Mumo lamented that life has become increasingly unbearable for ordinary Kenyans, blaming the soaring prices of basic food commodities and the shrinking space for economic opportunity. He said many young people are frustrated, idle, and slowly losing hope, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent interventions are not taken.
His protest comes just a day after another youth in neighbouring Kitui County completed a 100-hour tree-hugging exercise, aimed at demanding greater youth representation in governance, equal access to government opportunities, and increased placement of young people in vocational and technical training institutions. The back-to-back demonstrations have drawn attention to a growing wave of unconventional activism spreading across parts of Lower Eastern Kenya.
In recent years, tree hugging has emerged in Kenya as a form of peaceful protest, blending environmental activism with broader social and economic demands. What began largely as a method to oppose deforestation has increasingly evolved into a tool for expressing dissatisfaction with governance, unemployment, and inequality. Activists say the symbolism of a tree — as a source of life, resilience, and survival — mirrors the struggles faced by many young Kenyans today.
For counties such as Makueni and Kitui, which continue to grapple with prolonged drought, food insecurity, and limited employment opportunities, the message has found resonance. Observers note that the use of silent protest reflects a shift among citizens who feel unheard through conventional political channels and are now turning to symbolic actions to force national attention.
Mumo has also used the moment to criticise the current economic environment, calling on the government to reconsider policies around taxation and food pricing. He argues that without subsidies or deliberate measures to lower the cost of essential goods, millions of Kenyans, particularly the poor, will continue to struggle to meet basic needs.
As the 47-hour exercise continues in Makindu, the protest has sparked conversations both online and within the community, with residents stopping to listen, observe, and reflect. Whether the government responds or not, analysts say the protest highlights a deepening sense of economic anxiety and a growing desire among citizens, especially the youth, to be seen, heard, and included in the country’s future.
