Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has shattered the 72-hour tree-hugging world record, surpassing her earlier milestone of 48 hours and securing her place in global history.

The 22-year-old crossed the record threshold on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Nyeri, drawing overwhelming admiration from Kenyans, international conservationists, and public leaders who hailed her act as a symbol of resilience and environmental consciousness.

Muthoni began her marathon on Monday, December 8, 2025, at precisely 12:20 p.m. outside the Nyeri governor’s office.

For three days, she endured freezing nights, exhaustion and long periods of stillness while keeping uninterrupted physical contact with the tree, a strict requirement under Guinness World Records guidelines.

The challenge Muthoni took was governed by uncompromising her own rules that mirrored the severity of the environmental crisis she sought to highlight.

There was no food, no water, no breaks and no interruptions, making the feat both physically punishing and symbolically powerful.

Also Read: Notable Kenyans in the Guinness World Records

A Protest Rooted in Purpose

From the onset, Muthoni was clear that the marathon was not merely an endurance test but a form of silent activism.

She positioned it as a protest calling for protection of indigenous forests, recognition of local communities’ role in conserving ecosystems and attention to mental-health impacts linked to environmental damage.

At the 48-hour mark, she tightened the emotional weight of her message by tying a blindfold and hugging the tree for nearly three hours.

She said the act was meant to reflect “the vulnerabilities of persons living with disabilities” and spotlight the overlooked climate injustices they face.

Her dedication attracted strong institutional backing.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua applauded her persistence, describing her as “a courageous reminder of the urgency of conservation.”

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Deputy Governor Kinaniri Waroe closely monitored her progress, celebrating her mental strength.

Pan-African scholar, PLO Lumumba personally visited the site, praising her courage.

Rewards Flow as Nation Celebrates

Her achievement unleashed an outpouring of support from corporates and private donors.

OdiBets pledged KSh 1 million, while Adequate Safaris offered a fully paid three-night holiday in Mombasa.

Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu and his daughter added another coastal holiday for her and her family.

Private supporters joined in; Damaris of Dama Spares Original pledged a Samsung Galaxy Fold 7, philanthropist Solomon Maina committed KSh 100,000 for her Guinness documentation, and Sir Bonnie promised three months of custom-made suits.

Also Read: Why Truphena Muthoni’s 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Guinness World Record Matters

Profile: Who Is Truphena Muthoni?

Truphena Muthoni, 22, is a Kenyan environmentalist, climate activist and mental health advocate.

She rose to national attention for her extraordinary record-breaking tree-hugging campaigns aimed at raising awareness about conservation, climate justice and mental well-being.

She previously set a Guinness World Record in February 2025 when she hugged a tree for 48 hours.

Born in 2005 in Nyeri County, Muthoni is a Kikuyu youth whose name reflects her cultural roots.

She attended Naromoru Girls High School, where she stood out as an exceptional scout and poet with a growing commitment to environmental causes.

Her activism centers on reforestation, youth-led climate action and the therapeutic link between nature and mental health.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

Guinness World Records logo. PHOTO/Guinness World Records.