Monday, January 19,
2026 - Controversial Kenyan preacher, Victor Kanyari, has reversed his
stance on the viral tree‑hugging craze.
Speaking during a live sermon on Sunday, Kanyari demanded
the immediate arrest of anyone seen participating in the challenge, claiming
the trend has spiraled out of control.
His remarks come barely a week after he himself announced
plans for a 150‑hour tree‑hugging marathon in support of President William
Ruto’s 2027 re‑election bid, popularly known as Tutam.
That declaration went viral, drawing ridicule and anger from
many Kenyans online, with critics questioning his motives and mental state.
Now, Kanyari insists that the Government must take a firm
stand against the craze, which has flooded platforms like TikTok.
“The Government should arrest anyone seen holding trees.”
“People should stop holding trees.”
“Now everyone is hugging a tree so that the Government
should recognize them,” he told his congregation.
The preacher accused participants of riding on the success
of Truphena Muthoni, who recently attempted a 72‑hour tree‑hugging challenge to
raise environmental awareness.
“They should let that girl be the first to get that success,
don’t try to copy her,” he added.
Kanyari noted that even elderly men have joined the trend,
citing one TikTok user who claimed to be hugging a banana tree until he could
meet the pastor.
He dismissed such acts as desperate and urged his followers
to “create another history” by finding unique ideas instead of imitating
others.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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