MWE Correspondent
Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records for hugging a tree for an astounding 72 consecutive hours, setting a new benchmark in environmental activism and advocacy.
The 22-year-old accomplished the feat from Monday, December 8, to Thursday, December 11, 2025, outside the office of the Nyeri County Governor in central Kenya. The marathon tree-hugging session was more than a personal challenge; it was a symbolic protest against deforestation and a call to action for environmental conservation.
This attempt marked Truphena’s second foray into the record books. Earlier in 2025, she set a 48-hour tree-hugging record, which she has now decisively surpassed. Her dedication highlights both physical endurance and a deep commitment to protecting nature.
Guinness World Records praised her effort, noting that the objective was to celebrate and preserve indigenous trees while promoting the wisdom of traditional environmental practices. “Truphena’s goal in this record attempt was to uplift and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to respect the environmental wisdom of indigenous communities,” the organization stated on its official Facebook page. A video accompanying the announcement showed Muthoni embracing the tree throughout the challenge, capturing the attention of viewers around the world.
Muthoni’s achievement has been widely celebrated in Kenya and internationally, with environmental groups hailing the feat as a creative and impactful way to raise awareness about ecological protection. The demonstration comes at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on climate change, deforestation, and sustainable development goals.
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In addition to setting a new Guinness World Record, Truphena’s campaign emphasizes the importance of tree conservation for local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and climate resilience. Trees, according to environmental studies, are critical in absorbing carbon dioxide, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods, making such advocacy crucial in the fight against ecological degradation.
The symbolic nature of hugging a tree for three days underscores the physical and emotional connection humans can have with nature. By enduring this prolonged challenge, Muthoni has inspired a broader conversation about how individual action can influence environmental policy and community awareness.
As news of her accomplishment spreads, local and international media have highlighted the creative approach to activism. Many see it as a reminder that environmental advocacy can take unconventional forms that resonate with people across cultures and regions.
Truphena Muthoni’s record-breaking feat also exemplifies youth-led climate action, demonstrating how young leaders are stepping forward to address ecological challenges in innovative ways. The recognition by Guinness World Records cements her place as both a national and global symbol for environmental stewardship.
Her dedication is likely to inspire other activists worldwide to find inventive ways to engage communities, promote conservation, and honor indigenous knowledge about the natural world.
