Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, 22, has captured national and international attention after completing an extraordinary 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, setting a new Guinness World Record and shining a spotlight on the urgent need for environmental protection.
Who is Truphena Muthoni?
Truphena Muthoni is a 22-year-old Kenyan environmental activist and climate campaigner known for using endurance feats to draw attention to environmental conservation, mental health and reforestation. She hails from Nyeri County in central Kenya and first gained widespread recognition after setting a Guinness World Record in early 2025 by hugging a tree for 48 continuous hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park as a symbolic act of environmental advocacy.
Beginning a Record Attempt Rooted in Purpose
Truphena Muthoni began her endurance challenge outside the Nyeri County Governor’s office, maintaining unbroken physical contact with the tree from Monday afternoon until Thursday shortly after midday. For three days and nights, she braved fatigue, cold weather, and heavy rains, determined to communicate a message she says “needs to be felt, not just heard.”
Her attempt surpasses her own previous record of roughly 48 hours set earlier this year and doubles the earlier global benchmark for continuous tree hugging.
A Silent Protest for Conservation and Mental Health
Behind the spectacle lay a deeper mission. Muthoni described her feat as a “silent protest” against deforestation and a plea for Kenyans especially youth to reconnect with nature. She also used the platform to highlight mental well-being, a theme she believes is strongly tied to time spent in natural spaces.
At one stage, she hugged the tree while blindfolded to amplify the message of inclusivity and to reflect the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities in environmental crises.
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National Leaders Rally Behind Truphena Muthoni
The marathon sparked widespread support from leaders across Kenya.
Political and Public Endorsements
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga officially launched the challenge and commended Muthoni for her courage and clarity of purpose. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua encouraged her publicly, describing the act as “a bold reminder of why environmental conservation must remain national priority.”
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also celebrated her determination, praising the way she managed to inspire conversation without uttering a single word.
Civil society groups, climate advocates, and hundreds of ordinary Kenyans visited the site, offering emotional support, warm coverings, and livestreams that attracted thousands of online viewers.
Gifts, Recognition and Growing National Pride
In the hours following her successful attempt, organisations and well-wishers pledged gifts including financial rewards, travel opportunities, and other tokens of appreciation. The atmosphere in Nyeri was one of celebration, with chants, songs, and tears marking the moment she stepped away from the tree—exhausted but triumphant.
Guinness World Records is now reviewing the documentation for official certification.
Financial Support
- KSh 1 million pledged by ODI Bet betting company as a reward for successfully completing the 72-hour challenge.
- KSh 100,000 pledged by an individual supporter to help cover the Guinness World Records documentation and processing fees.
Material Gifts and Packages
- A Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 smartphone has been promised to her by a supporter as a recognition gift.
- A premium skincare package and perfumes from a beauty shop to help her recover after her gruelling three-day effort.
- Three months of custom-made suits from a local fashion designer, giving her a range of outfits of her choice.
Travel and Relaxation Rewards
- A fully paid three-night holiday to the Kenyan coast (Mombasa) has been offered by a travel and tour company, which she can enjoy with a guardian or parent.
Official Recognition
- Beyond pledged gifts, formal certification from Guinness World Records confirming her 72-hour achievement will serve as an international accolade.
These rewards reflect both material support and public appreciation from organizations, businesses, and individuals who were inspired by her endurance and environmental message.
A Symbol of Youth Leadership in Climate Action
Truphena Muthoni’s effort has been hailed as one of the most compelling acts of youth-led climate activism in recent years. Environmental commentators and leaders say the spectacle merged symbolism, endurance, and public engagement in a way that may influence Kenya’s conservation narrative for years to come.
“This record is not just mine,” Truphena Muthoni said moments after completing the challenge. “It belongs to every person who loves a tree, plants one, or chooses to protect the environment.”
