Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the longest time hugging a tree, completing a 72-hour marathon without food, water, sleep, or breaks outside the Nyeri Governor's office on December 11, 2025.
The 22-year-old from Mathira Sub-County in Nyeri County began the challenge at 6 a.m. on December 8, 2025, surpassing her previous personal best of 48 hours achieved in February at Nairobi's Michuki Memorial Park. Adjudicators from Guinness World Records confirmed the record after a rigorous verification process, marking Muthoni as the global leader in this unique endurance category.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who flagged off the event alongside Deputy Governor Kinaniri Waroe, hailed Muthoni's achievement as a testament to the county's legacy of environmental stewardship. "Together with Nyeri DG Kinaniri Waroe, we officially kicked off the countdown for the incredible Truphena Muthoni, 22," Kahiga posted on social media. "She is once again making Nyeri County proud as she attempts to break her own world record—moving from 48 hours of tree-hugging to an ambitious 72 hours."
Muthoni, a sustainability musician, mental health survivor, and Scout, dedicated the feat to raising awareness about deforestation, climate change, and the therapeutic benefits of nature. Wrapped around a towering indigenous mugumo tree, she remained in place for three full days and nights, enduring rain, wind, and physical exhaustion while engaging passersby on environmental conservation.
"The significance of this peaceful protest is that it transcends differences," Muthoni said during a brief pause for verification on December 10. "Unlike other demonstrations, this approach avoids conflict and touches humanity directly. I want people to really go back to nature because it has real healing power. As a mental health survivor, I find solace in tree-hugging—it boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, and recharges the soul."
Her marathon drew support from national leaders and celebrities. Pan-Africanist PLO Lumumba visited on December 10, encouraging her resolve. "I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guinness World Records but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached," Lumumba said. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also sent a message of pride, calling her "my daughter" and urging her to push on.
The event attracted crowds of residents, schoolchildren, and activists, turning the governor's office into a hub of environmental discourse. Nyeri County officials provided medical monitoring, hydration support during verified breaks, and security, while local schools participated in tree-planting drives inspired by Muthoni's stand.
Muthoni's activism traces back to her Scouting days, where she learned perseverance and responsibility toward the environment. Her February 2025 record at Michuki Park, hugging a tree for 48 hours, earned global acclaim and comparisons to Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai. "I encourage people to embrace the culture of tree-hugging because it is good for boosting our mental health and recharging ourselves," Muthoni said after that feat. "We now have urban development that is killing our natural resources. I want people to really go back to nature because it has real healing power."
The Kenya Forest Service praised her as a beacon for conservation. "As we celebrate her dedication, let's remember to embrace and protect nature every day," the agency stated. Former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, who congratulated her on the 48-hour record, reiterated his support, calling it a "historic feat" that draws global attention to climate action.
By midday on December 11, as Muthoni completed the final hours, a crowd of over 500 gathered, chanting "Tuko Macho" (We Are Watching) in solidarity with her message against deforestation. She was whisked into an ambulance for medical checks upon finishing, emerging to cheers and a certificate from Guinness adjudicators.
Muthoni's record-breaking efforts have spotlighted Kenya's environmental challenges. The country loses 12,000 hectares of forest cover annually, with deforestation rates accelerating in Nyeri due to urban expansion and agriculture. Her marathon aligns with national goals under the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy, aiming for 10 percent forest cover increase by 2030.
Local leaders, including Deputy Governor Waroe, committed to planting 5,000 trees in Muthoni's honour. "Nyeri's legacy—from Wangari Maathai to Truphena—shows women lead the green revolution," Waroe said.
As Muthoni reflected post-record, her message resonated. "This is for every young person feeling overwhelmed—nature heals," she said. "Hug a tree; save the world."
