WATCH: Kenyan Gen Z Couple Hugging for 96 Hours to Prove Marriage Still Works

A Kenyan couple is currently attempting a 96-hour hugging marathon to promote respect and support for marriage.

The pair is undertaking the four-day challenge to prove that long-term relationships can thrive despite modern difficulties.

The couple admits their own journey has faced serious obstacles. They previously struggled with frequent arguments and physical fights, with the wife admitting she once accidentally injured her husband during a dispute.

They now hope this symbolic act will encourage other couples to choose reconciliation over conflict.

A message for struggling couples

The pair believes that physical connection and communication are vital for a healthy home. They want to show the public that marriage is a positive institution that should be preserved.

"We are hugging each other for 96 hours... we want to show people that marriage should last and be a good thing," the lady explained.

Their advice to others in difficult situations is to stay and talk through their problems. They suggest that instead of leaving a partner after a disagreement, spouses should find a quiet space to calm down and eventually solve the issue together.

"Marriage is hard, and still it is easy... marriage is working," the couple shared during their marathon.

The spark that started a movement

This latest endurance test is part of a growing trend in Kenya inspired by environmentalist Truphena Muthoni. Muthoni is the current Guinness World Record holder for the longest tree-hugging marathon, with an official time of 48 hours.

Her influence grew significantly after she completed a more recent 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in Nyeri County.

ALSO READ: Tree-Hugging for Ruto: Pastor Kanyari Vows 150-Hour Marathon for ‘Tutam’

While this second attempt is still awaiting official ratification, it caught the attention of the highest levels of government.

President William Ruto recently hosted Muthoni at State House to praise her commitment to environmental stewardship. He awarded her the Head of State Commendation (HSC) medal and named her an ambassador for the national 15-billion-tree planting campaign.

Her success has opened doors for many other Kenyans to use hugging marathons to champion various social and political causes.

A national hugging trend

The "hugging movement" has seen several participants take on extreme challenges since Muthoni's success. In Nanyuki, 43-year-old Paul Kago embarked on his own 96-hour marathon to advocate for peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, these challenges come with significant physical risks. Pastor James Irungu recently attempted an 80-hour tree-hug in Murang’a to raise awareness for cancer.

He collapsed just one hour short of his goal after 79 hours of endurance. Medics later confirmed he suffered from extreme exhaustion and kidney failure.

Despite the risks, the trend continues to grow. Controversial preacher Victor Kanyari recently vowed to hug a tree for 150 hours to show support for the President’s re-election.