Kanyari calls for arrest of anyone who participates in tree-hugging challenge
By Valerian Khakayi, January 18, 2026The Salvation and Healing Ministry founder, Prophet Victor Kanyari, has called for the arrest of anyone who will be found participating in the viral tree-hugging challenge.
The challenge was first done by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni to create awareness and break the World record, has so far gained momentum with many people participating.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Kanyari called for a halt to the challenge, stating that the legacy belongs to Muthoni since she was the first one to participate in the challenge in Kenya.
“Watu wenye wanashika miti, sahii, serikali inapaswa kufunga mtu anayeonekana akishika mti wawache Truphena Muthoni ndio alikuwa wa kwanza kufanya, bahati ya mwenzio usiulalie mlango wazi,” Kanyari said.
“Mambo ya kushika mtu tuwachane nayo hiyo ilikuwa ya Truphena. Niliona mzee mwengine ameshika mtu karibu akufie hapo.”
Alternative challenge
The preacher further challenged Kenyans eager to participate in challenges to be creative and come up with their own record-breaking challenge.
“Watu wawache kushika mtu hiyo ni ya Truphena,wewe shika kitu yengine uweke historia,usishike mti tafute kitu yengine ya kufanya you create,kukuwe na creation yengine,” he urged.
Tree-hugging challenge
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has raised alarm over what she termed as a worrying trend, noting that some individuals have collapsed and ended up in hospital after hugging trees for long periods.
Speaking in Ngiriambu, Gichugu constituency in Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, where she attended a burial ceremony, Muthoni added that proper preparation and rehearsal are also critical.
“Tree hugging may look harmless, but when done for long hours it becomes a strenuous physical activity that can pose serious health risks. We have recorded cases of people being rushed to hospital after collapsing, yet these incidents could have been avoided,” Muthoni said.
The PS emphasized that individuals should first undergo medical examinations to rule out underlying health conditions before engaging in such activities.
“Before you subject your body to any demanding exercise, it is important to know your health status. Some people have hidden conditions that can easily lead to loss of life when the body is overstretched,” she warned.
“You can not wake up and decide to engage in strenuous activity without training. The body must be prepared gradually to avoid serious complications.”