STORY: Kenyan targets Guinness World Record with 15,000 hugs
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 14, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 15, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:15
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the challenge
2. STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter
3. various of hugs
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEORGE ACHOKA, Kenyan journalist
5. various of hugs
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ROSE MARY WAYUA, Kenyan
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALICE THUIYA, Kenyan
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): NELSON MUMELO, Kenyan
9. various of documenting

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter
"It is a vibrant Valentine's Day here in Nairobi, Kenya's capital as many of the citizens have come out to support one young Kenyan, who is attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records of the most hugs given within 24 hours. As you can see behind me, there is a timer now at 3 hours, 59 minutes and 37 seconds. And so far, I'm told he has done just close to 500 hugs. He is attempting to beat a record of 9,277."

This ambitious goal is no easy feat. The current record, set by Jeffrey Ondash of the United States in February 2013, stands at 9,277 hugs in 24 hours.

29-year-old George Achoka, however, aims much higher, with his sights set on shattering that mark with 15,000.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEORGE ACHOKA, Kenyan journalist
"I took on this challenge after I realized mid last year that Kenyans, especially the youths, are going through a lot economically, psychologically, mentally, leading to stress, depression."

Supported by a local media house and several other private companies, the event dubbed as "hugfest" turned Nairobi's central business district into a vibrant affair.

This is Achoka's third attempt at breaking this world record.

Kenyan citizens of all ages came to support Achoka in his attempt to embrace 15,000 strangers in a bid to spread love and warmth.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ROSE MARY WAYUA, Kenyan
"If we can be together and just show love, I think it means a lot to people. I wish him all the best and I pray he gets that record."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALICE THUIYA, Kenyan
"I felt I am obligated to support Achoka. And I feel this is a record a fellow Kenyan can break so we are here to support him and break the record."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): NELSON MUMELO, Kenyan
"I'm happy today to support my brother to reach 15,000 hugs. Can I go and hug him more? This man is very courageous. He wants to attain his target of 15,000 hugs. Very courageous. I have never seen a man like this."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)