🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Kenyan environmentalist hospitalized after planting 23,326 trees in 24 hours, breaking world record
via Tuko2 min read
Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, known as Buzeki, was hospitalized after attempting to break the Guinness World Record for planting the most trees in 24 hours. On April 22, Buzeki began his challenge at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, aiming to plant 24,000 trees. He managed to plant 23,326 trees before being unable to continue, falling short of his target by 674 trees. Despite not reaching his personal goal, his effort surpassed the previous record of 23,060 trees set by Canadian Antoine Moses on July 17, 2021. Buzeki is now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records for his achievement. Following his discharge from the hospital, Buzeki was honored in a ceremony attended by the Principal Secretary for the Treasury, Chris Kiptoo, the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko. The Chief Conservator of Forests commended Buzeki for his passion and commitment to forest conservation. Netizens also congratulated Buzeki for his accomplishment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadAn EBB Air Embraer jet overshot the runway at Mandera Airstrip on April 24, crashing into vegetation. All 36 passengers and crew members survived the incident. Images showed the aircraft's nose buried in thick brush with smoke rising from its left wing. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. This incident follows a Safarilink crash-landing at Wilson Airport last month, which intensified scrutiny over Kenya's aviation safety standards. In that March 20 incident, a Safarilink flight, operated by ALS, veered off the runway at Wilson Airport, but all 39 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who was on board, criticized the emergency response and highlighted concerns about Wilson Airport's safety and emergency shortcomings, including the absence of functional surveillance cameras and runway lighting. The Senate Committee on Roads and Transport questioned Kenya Civil Aviation Authority KCAA Director General Emile Rao regarding the Wilson Airport incident. Rao stated that Air Traffic Control was operational and that the pilot might have misjudged the situation due to heavy rainfall. He clarified that while ATC provides weather updates, the pilot makes the final decision to land. Rao also dismissed claims that Wilson Airport is used for transporting contraband cargo, stating that flights outside operational hours 6:30 am to 10 pm only occur for medical emergencies.
A man bearing a striking resemblance to Kenya's first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, was among protesters arrested in Nairobi during demonstrations against rising fuel prices. Michael Ngige, whose appearance, including his hair, beard, and eyes, mirrored the late president, was arraigned in court alongside other activists. Ten individuals were presented at the City Court, while 43 others faced charges in Machakos. The protesters were accused of blocking movement and causing inconvenience to motorists. Anti-riot police dispersed the demonstrations, stating the arrests were to prevent business disruption and maintain public order. Social media users reacted to Ngige's likeness to Kenyatta, with some jokingly questioning reincarnation. The judge granted each accused person a cash bail of KSh 3,000. President William Ruto previously defended Kenya's high fuel prices, attributing them to the country's status as a lower-middle-income economy.
Ann Kioko, a Kenyan woman featured in a viral video damaging property in the US, has broken her silence, offering an emotional account that challenges the online narrative. Kioko claims she was a victim of abuse, contradicting statements from her host. She stated she traveled to the US on March 20 after being invited by a man she was in a relationship with, expecting a safe environment. Instead, she alleges the experience became traumatic, marked by abuse, violence, manipulation, and emotional pain. Following an incident, she was hospitalized and sought refuge before returning to Kenya. Kioko also claims the man accessed her phone and social media accounts. She refutes allegations of deportation or being wanted by US authorities, calling them untrue attempts to tarnish her name. Kioko also revealed she is pregnant from the relationship and is now focused on healing and rebuilding her life, requesting kindness and prayers. This conflicting account leaves many questioning the true events behind the viral clips. Earlier, a man named Gibson Nyakundi had accused Kioko of fabricating stories, creating fake accounts, and fleeing Kenya while facing legal trouble in the US, also alleging intoxication and a threat to his life, citing police records.
Martha Njoki, a Nairobi woman who experienced homelessness and drug addiction, has secured a corporate job following a significant transformation. Nairobi county official Geoffrey Mosiria found Njoki sleeping on a sack in Nairobi CBD and intervened, taking her to the Rapid Rehabilitation Centre for Addiction. After several months of treatment, she was discharged as a transformed individual. Her recovery included gaining weight, appearing more refined, and having her missing teeth fixed. She was also reunited with her children, who had believed she was dead. Njoki received a job offer from Nabayi Safari Adventures, a travel company in Nairobi, where she will serve as a brand ambassador and receptionist at their Ngong Road office. Mosiria also plans to help her secure housing in Kawangware, near her new workplace.