Kapsabet: Mercy Jepkemei from Emgwen Constituency, Nandi County, has taken a unique stand against domestic violence by embarking on a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge. Her aim is to amplify the voices of those suffering in abusive marriages and toxic relationships.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mercy’s act of hugging a tree is intended to draw attention to the issue of torturous marriages and relationships. As she braves the scorching sun at Nandi Garden in Kapsabet, hundreds of residents gather around her, listening to her passionate advocacy against gender-based violence in the community.
Mercy shared her personal struggles, having grown up in a family plagued by instability. Her parents frequently fought, and her mother eventually abandoned her and her four siblings. Left under the care of their father, who battled alcoholism, Mercy and her siblings faced neglect, especially in terms of financial support and school fees.
Despite these challenges, Mercy completed her secondary education in 2019 and assumed the responsibility of caring for her siblings. She took on various jobs, including working as a tea picker and night watch for hotels, to provide for her family.
Now 24, Mercy is determined to spread awareness about gender-based violence, drawing from her experiences with broken homes, toxic families, and substance abuse. Her tree-hugging challenge, expected to conclude on January 17, 2026, serves as a public demonstration of her commitment to the cause.
Mercy insists that she doesn’t seek sympathy but rather aims to highlight the reality and harm of gender-based violence, which affects children and the family unit, a cornerstone of society. Her actions are anticipated to inspire new methods of addressing domestic violence in both rural and urban Kenyan communities.
The community has rallied behind Mercy, with social media platforms abuzz with messages of support and encouragement for her courageous endeavor.
