Truphena Muthoni sets new Guinness World Record for hugging 1,234 trees in Brazil

Kenyan environmental advocate Truphena Muthoni, HSC, has set a new Guinness World Record after hugging 1,234 trees within one hour in Brazil.

In a statement released on May 9, the Kenya Embassy in Brazil⁠ announced that the feat was achieved on May 8, 2026, at Jardim Botânico Brasília during Truphena’s Environmental Awareness Tour in Brazil. She surpassed the previous record of 1,123 tree hugs within the allocated one-hour period.

“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,” the Embassy said in its statement.

????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. Truphena surpassed it, hugging more than 1,200 trees in one hour at… pic.twitter.com/kHSWAMEcQ7

— KENYA EMBASSY BRASILIA |?? (@KenyaEmbassyBR) May 9, 2026

The historic event attracted several dignitaries and guests, among them Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil, Andrew Karanja, Deputy Head of Mission Peris Kariuki, and Allan Freire. Kenyan nationals living in Brazil and local residents also attended the event.

Ambassador Karanja and Freire congratulated Truphena on the milestone, commending her dedication to environmental conservation and awareness. They also recognized her earlier achievements, including her 48-hour and 72-hour continuous single-tree hugs, describing them as part of a remarkable and impactful environmental campaign.

Earlier in February, Truphena hinted at another Guinness World Record attempt shortly after breaking her previous tree-hugging record. In a Facebook post, she shared photos of video calls with several individuals, although she did not disclose details about the upcoming challenge.

“A new Guinness World Record, so soon? Are we even allowed to do this? For our children, for the Earth for the matriarchy? Guess what, guess where,” she wrote.

While many supporters applauded her determination, some social media users expressed concern that she might be pushing herself too hard in pursuit of consecutive records.