Kenya’s environmental advocate Truphena Muthoni, HSC, has set a new Guinness World Record after hugging more than 1,200 trees in one hour in Brazil.
In a statement on May 9, the Kenya Embassy in Brazil said the record was achieved on 8 May 2026 at Jardim Botânico Brasília during Truphena’s Environmental Awareness Tour in Brazil. The previous record stood at 1,123 trees, which Truphena surpassed within the one‑hour timeframe.
“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 previous record stood at 1,123 trees,” stated the Embassy.
The record‑breaking event was witnessed by several dignitaries and guests, including Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. Andrew Karanja, Deputy Head of Mission, Amb. Peris Kariuki, and Mr. Allan Freire, President of Jardim Botânico Brasília, as well as Kenyan nationals living in Brazil and residents.
Both Ambassador Karanja and Mr. Freire congratulated Truphena on the achievement and praised her continued commitment to environmental advocacy.
They also acknowledged her earlier milestones, which include a 48-hour and a 72-hour sustained single-tree hug, describing the achievements as part of a sustained and impactful environmental journey.
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Truphena Muthoni Eyeing New Guinness World Record Two Weeks After Last Win
In February, Truphena Muthoni publicly stated that she was aiming to set a new Guinness World Record soon after breaking the tree-hugging World Record.
In a Facebook post, Truphena Muthoni shared photos of video calls with various individuals, but she did not provide details about the people or the record she wanted to break.
“A new Guinness World Records, so soon? Are we even allowed to do this? For our children for the Earth… for the matriarchy? Guess what, Guess where ……”, Truphena wrote.
“Go girl, shine brighter than before, congratulations,” Mary Nabwire replied to her post, encouraging Truphena to keep up the good work.
Despite the support from most of the people in the comments, others expressed their worry that she was pushing her luck.
Yusuf Majaliwa commented in her post that it was the rainy season and suggested waiting until January 2027.
In response, Truphena said the rainy period was in fact the best time to plant trees, adding that her new record was closely linked to promoting tree‑planting efforts and environmental conservation.
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Truphena Muthoni Guinness World Records
The Guinness World Records confirmed that Truphena Muthoni set the world record for the longest tree‑hugging marathon, lasting 72 hours.
She achieved the feat on December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s Office compound. As part of the challenge, Truphena blindfolded herself after the first 48 hours in a symbolic gesture to honour people living with disabilities.
In the same campaign, she also broke the 24‑hour tree‑hugging record by embracing the tree continuously for 48 hours, surpassing the previous record held by Abdul Hakim Awal of Ghana, who had hugged a tree in Kumasi for 24 hours, 21 minutes and 4 seconds on May 23, 2024.
Truphena prepared for the endurance challenge over about five months, during which she conducted personal trial runs and long walks to build physical and mental resilience.
