BRASÍLIA, 8 May 2026 Truphena Muthoni, holder of the Head of State Commendation honors conferred by the President of the Republic of Kenya for being a champion in conservation, the Kenyan environmentalist known as “Treephena,” broke the Guinness World Record for the most trees hugged in one hour on Thursday, embracing more than 1,200 trees at the Jardim Botânico Brasília in sixty minutes. The previous record was 1,123.
The record attempt marked a symbolic reunion between Afro-Indigenous Brazil and the African diaspora after decades apart an old friendship meeting again under the trees. The record was offered as a gift to the land, honoring Indigenous wisdom, ancestral matriarchy, and the resilience of women who have long stood as protectors of life, land, and future.
Senior Kenyan diplomatic representatives attended the event, including H.E. Dr. Andrew Karanja, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Brazil, and Amb. Peris Kariuki, Deputy Head of Mission. Mr. Allan Freire, President of Jardim Botânico Brasília, also attended and praised the achievement.
Both the Ambassador and Mr. Freire referenced Muthoni’s earlier records a 48-hour and a 72-hour sustained single tree hug as evidence of a longstanding and genuine commitment to environmental advocacy rather than a one-off stunt.
Muthoni’s engagements in Brazil continue, with further meetings involving conservation stakeholders, Indigenous voices, and community groups planned.
