Truphena Muthoni Sets New World Record After Hugging a Tree for 72 Hours

Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has officially set a new world record after completing a gruelling 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri, turning what many expected to be a quirky endurance stunt into a powerful global statement on conservation and mental health.

The 22-year-old began her challenge on Monday, December 8, 2025, outside the Nyeri governor’s office, where a mugumo tree became her anchor for three days and three nights.

Under the watch of county officials, medics, supporters and a steadily growing crowd of curious residents, Muthoni held on relentlessly through rainstorms, harsh winds and punishing cold.

Her record-breaking attempt builds on her previous personal best of 48 hours in February 2025, which had already earned her recognition among climate advocacy circles.

This time, she pushed her body to its limits to hit the 72-hour mark, a feat she now awaits to be certified by the Guinness World Records team.

Muthoni said the marathon was never about fame. She framed it as a form of silent resistance against the accelerated destruction of indigenous forests and a public reminder of the link between environmental collapse and deteriorating mental well-being.

“The reason for hugging trees is that it’s therapeutic, and we have a lot of mental health crises across the world that are directly involved with environmental degradation,” she said as she hit the final stretch on Wednesday afternoon, her voice hoarse but determined.

Witnesses said she remained rooted to the tree trunk without food, water or any significant breaks, save for medical evaluations conducted without detaching her arms.

Volunteers shielded her with umbrellas during heavy downpours while medics monitored her heart rate, hydration levels and breathing.

Supporters created a rotating playlist—from ohangla to soft rock to Mugithi—to keep spirits high and Muthoni emotionally steady as fatigue set in.

Her marathon quickly morphed into a public spectacle that drew in environmental activists, students, clergy, and political leaders.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made an appearance on Wednesday, cheering her on and praising her courage and message.

“Truphena Muthoni, push on my daughter,” he said, calling her challenge a timely reminder that the world must rethink its relationship with nature. “Your futuristic thoughts must prick the mind of the world to reset thoughts on conservation and mental health challenges. I am with you every step of the way.”

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and his deputy Kinaniri Waroe also visited the site several times, describing the young activist as an example of the boldness needed in climate advocacy.

Kahiga presided over the official start of the countdown on Monday, lauding her “unwavering focus and stamina”.

By Wednesday evening, as witnesses erupted into applause at the 72-hour mark, an exhausted but smiling Muthoni leaned against her tree and raised her hands briefly in triumph.

She later addressed supporters, saying she hoped her record would inspire young people across the world to embrace environmental stewardship in practical and symbolic ways.

Experts say her feat may shine a spotlight on the growing eco-activism movement in Kenya, where young campaigners are increasingly turning to creative forms of protest—from river clean-ups to symbolic tree planting to attention-grabbing endurance challenges.

For now, Muthoni is resting under medical supervision.

The Guinness World Records verification process is expected to begin immediately, but for her supporters in Nyeri, the achievement is already sealed: a young woman, a tree and a statement heard around the world.