Kenyan man identified as George Achoka aims to break the Guinness World Record by giving 15,000 hugs in 24 hours.
Achoka’s mission, dubbed 'Nairobi Hugfest 2024', is set to make waves this month. The event will not only aim for a world record but also foster an atmosphere of unity and warmth.
Achoka, who gained attention for his ‘free hugs’ movement, explained that he went viral during the Reject Finance Bill demonstration in Nairobi, where he hugged over 1,000 people in three hours.
“The first day this thing went viral online, a greater percentage of Kenyans got to learn about hugs. I think I hugged like 1000 people in like three hours. We want to break the Guinness World Record for the most hugs by an individual in 24 hours."
Speaking with Citizen Digital, Achoka said Through his hugging challenge, he wants to spread warmth, goodwill, and positivity across the city.
“We’re working to change the stereotype that Nairobians are cold,” he said. “If 1,000 people came up to hug you in a tense protest, it shows that people are actually warm-hearted.”
Achoka believes that hugs have a therapeutic effect.
