Baringo Poet Hugs Cactus for Seven Hours to Promote Peace in Tiaty

A Baringo-based journalist and spoken word poet, Festus Kipchumba, popularly known as Kipz ThaPoet, spent over seven hours hugging a cactus in Chesirimion, Tiaty, in a symbolic act to advocate for peace among local communities.

Kipz ThaPoet carried out the demonstration quietly, without prior media attention, describing it as a personal sacrifice rather than a publicity stunt. He said the act was intended to foster a deeper connection with nature, the environment, and the war-affected region, using art as a vehicle for social change.

“The cactus is a metaphor for pain and resilience,” Kipz ThaPoet explained. “By embracing it, I wanted to highlight the difficult but necessary process of reconciliation and dialogue that communities must undertake to achieve lasting peace.”

The performance has since gained traction on social media, with many online users applauding his creative and unconventional approach to peacebuilding. Observers noted that his act exemplifies how art and activism can intersect to address social issues in innovative ways.

Community leaders in Tiaty commended the poet, describing the gesture as a reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue and healing in areas affected by conflict.

Kipz ThaPoet’s demonstration adds to a growing trend in Kenya of using symbolic and endurance-based performances to highlight pressing societal concerns, from peace and justice to environmental awareness.

The act has sparked conversations across Baringo County on how creative initiatives can complement traditional peacebuilding strategies and inspire communities to embrace reconciliation.