A desperate father's 120-hour "tree-hugging" protest to raise school fees for his daughter ended in violence and hospitalization in Kitale, exposing the dark side of Kenya's viral fundraising culture. David Wanyonyi, who sought sympathy for his Grade 10 daughter, was descended upon by an angry mob who branded him a fraud.

The drama began when Wanyonyi, claiming his daughter had been turned away from Joseph Girls Secondary School, wrapped himself around a tree in the town centre. He vowed not to let go until he raised the funds. But the narrative flipped when local MP Caleb Amisi offered him KES 50,000 cash on the spot—and Wanyonyi refused it.

Protest or Hustle?

The refusal triggered a swift and brutal public verdict.

• The MP's Take: "The issue of hugging trees has become a con game," declared Amisi. He accused Wanyonyi of exploiting his child's plight for a massive payday rather than genuine need.
• The Mob's Reaction: angered by what they saw as ingratitude, local youths forcibly removed Wanyonyi from the tree and beat him, sending him to the hospital.

The Cost of Education

Beneath the absurdity lies a tragic truth: the cost of education in Kenya is driving parents to madness. With Grade 10 fees (Junior Secondary transition) locking thousands out of school, Wanyonyi's stunt was a symptom of a broken system. His daughter was eventually admitted with help from the Catholic Church, but the father's dignity was the price paid.

Wanyonyi's ordeal is a parable of modern Kenya: a place where desperation meets cynicism, and where the line between a genuine cry for help and a "con game" is often decided by the mob.