Environmentalist Truphena Muthoni claims new tree-hugging world record in Brazil

Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has provisionally broken the Guinness World Record for the most trees hugged in one hour after embracing 1,234 trees in a timed challenge held in Brazil on Friday, May 8.

The feat took place at the Jardim Botânico de Brasília during her Environmental Awareness Tour, surpassing the previous record of 1,123 trees, set by Ghanaian forestry student Abubakar Tahiru in 2024 in the United States.

According to organisers, Muthoni exceeded her personal target of 1,172 trees, ultimately reaching 1,234 within the one-hour window.

“Target was 1,172. We reached 1,234,” she said in a statement on Saturday, adding, “After decades, Afro-Indigenous Brazil and the African diaspora meet again!”

The attempt translates to roughly 20 trees hugged per minute, requiring rapid movement and continuous engagement throughout the hour-long challenge.

The Kenyan Embassy in Brazil confirmed the achievement, stating: “On 8th May 2026, as part of her Environmental Awareness Tour in Brazil, Truphena Muthoni, HSC, broke the Guinness World Record for the most trees hugged in one hour.”

The event was attended by Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil Andrew Karanja, Deputy Head of Mission Peris Kariuki, and Jardim Botânico Brasília President Allan Freire, alongside members of the Kenyan diaspora and local supporters.

Muthoni, a 22-year-old climate advocate known as the “Tree Hugger for Justice,” has gained international attention for her unconventional environmental activism. She already holds another record after hugging a single indigenous tree in Nyeri County for 72 consecutive hours in December 2025 without food, water, or sleep.