Kenyan Activist Hugs Tree for 72 Hours to Protest Diabetes Care Crisis

A 24-year-old diabetes advocate in Kenya has taken drastic action to highlight the struggles of patients without proper care. Precila Ngipuo wrapped her arms around a tree in Lodwar, Turkana Central, for 72 hours to protest the high cost of medication and poor nutrition faced by those living with diabetes. Her demonstration has drawn attention to a crisis affecting many in the region.

Ngipuo's protest began with a clear goal: to push policymakers into including diabetes medication among essential drugs. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2022, she defies the stereotype that the condition only affects older people. As a single mother of two, she also faces the added pressure of managing her health while caring for her family.

During the protest, Ngipuo refused to take her diabetes medication. Within ten hours, her condition deteriorated sharply, forcing her hospitalisation. Doctors later warned that extreme physical strain, heat exposure, dehydration, and missed meals can turn life-threatening for diabetes patients. Her actions have sparked wider discussions about systemic failures in diabetes care. Access to insulin, proper nutrition, and health education remains out of reach for many in Lodwar. Even basic needs like transport to hospitals and special diets add to the financial burden. Ngipuo's protest follows a similar demonstration in January 2026, when diabetes activist David Lokidor danced around a tree for 72 hours in the same town. Both campaigns have moved local residents, who now call for urgent changes to support those battling the disease.

The protests in Lodwar have put a spotlight on the daily hardships of diabetes patients. Without affordable medication and better healthcare access, many continue to face severe risks. Ngipuo's hospitalisation and the growing public response show how deeply the issue affects the community.