Reason Pastor Kanyari Now Wants All Tree-Huggers Arrested

Controversial Kenyan preacher Victor Kanyari has made a sharp U-turn regarding the viral tree-hugging trend.

During a live sermon at his church on Sunday, he called for the immediate arrest of anyone seen participating in the challenge.

The demand comes just one week after Kanyari himself announced a massive 150-hour tree-hugging marathon to support President William Ruto.

The preacher now claims the trend has gone too far and that the public should stop copying the idea.

A Call for Police Action

Speaking to his congregation, Kanyari argued that the government needs to take a firm stand against those following the craze. He suggested that the trend, which has taken over social media platforms like TikTok, is no longer appropriate.

"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,” Kanyari said.

According to Kanyari, many people are now riding on Truphena Muthoni’s success, trying hard to break her yet-to-be ratified 72-hour challenge.

“They should let that girl [Truphena Muthoni] be the first to get that success, don’t try to copy her.”

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

Kanyari pointed out that he had seen various people, including elderly men, engaging in the act. He specifically mentioned a TikTok user who claimed to be hugging a banana tree until they could meet the pastor.

Kanyari dismissed these actions, telling his followers to find something else to do.

The 150-Hour Vow for Ruto

The preacher's latest stance has raised eyebrows due to his own recent announcement. On 10 January 2026, Kanyari took to Facebook to declare his intention to hug a tree for 150 hours straight.

His goal was political. He stated the marathon was a show of support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, commonly known as ‘Tutam’.

"I will hold a tree starting tomorrow for 150 hours until you love President William Ruto... #TutamIsReal."

This peculiar vow went viral immediately. It drew a wave of ridicule and anger from Kenyans online. While some followers supported the "Tutam" message, many others questioned the pastor’s mental state and motives.

Origins of the Trend

The tree-hugging phenomenon did not start with Kanyari. The trend gained momentum following Truphena Muthoni, who completed a high-profile bid to raise environmental awareness.

In his Sunday sermon, Kanyari acknowledged Muthoni as the originator. He told his church that since she was the first, others should leave the challenge alone.

He urged his followers to “create another history" and find a new, unique idea instead of imitating others.