24-Hour Whistling Marathon Ignites Mental Health Awareness

Peter Karumba Wangui from Murang’a has kicked off a bold 24-hour whistling marathon to spark nationwide conversations about mental health His “Whistle to Break the Silence” challenge aims to break stigma and draw attention to the struggles many face quietly If he succeeds, he could become the first Kenyan to set a Guinness World Record for continuous whistling while championing a vital cause A Murang’a resident has launched a unique 24-hour whistling marathon in a bold effort to draw attention to mental health struggles in Kenya. Peter Karumba Wangui began his endurance challenge at 8 am. on Sunday, January 18, aiming to whistle continuously until the same time on Monday. Why Karumba is whistling for 24 hours In a post shared on his official Facebook page, he explained that the move was part of a campaign he has dubbed “Whistle to Break the Silence.” Karumba, who hopes to set a Guinness World Record with the attempt, said his goal is to spark national conversation around mental well-being and dismantle the stigma that continues to silence millions. He described mental health as a “silent crisis” that often goes ignored despite the increasing number of people affected. "This is more than a record attempt, it is a message of hope, resilience, and awareness," he wrote, adding that the challenge will be held under the same tree Jimmy Irungu hugged. Karumba's request to Kenyans Karumba urged the public to rally behind the cause, noting that the challenge is not just about endurance, but about encouraging people to speak openly about emotional struggles without fear of judgment. If successful, he will become the first Kenyan to attempt such a feat, placing the country on the global map while championing an urgent social issue. His whistling marathon is expected to run through the night, symbolising the long, often unseen battles individuals face in silence. As the hours tick on, supporters hope his effort will not only secure a place in the record books but also inspire a more compassionate national dialogue on mental health. Mixed reactions over Peter Karumba's challenge The initiative has quickly attracted public interest, with many Kenyans expressing different opinions over the challenge. While some supported the Murang’a man’s determination to use an unconventional method to generate awareness, others dismissed him as a clout chaser. Terence Creative discourages tree-hugging challenges Karumba's attempt comes a day after content creator Terence Creative lamented about the large number of Kenyans hugging trees. Since Truphena Muthoni went viral in 2025 for attempting to break her Guinness World Record by hugging a tree for 72 hours, many Kenyans have taken on the challenge. Terence urged Kenyans to explore diverse, less time-consuming idea instead of tree-hugging and listed 50 challenges that are under 24 hours. Source: TUKO.co.ke