Kenyan Activist Pushes Limits in 72-Hour Tree Embrace for Climate and Mental Health
In an extraordinary display of endurance and advocacy, 22-year-old Kenyan activist Truphena Muthoni is once again wrapped around the trunk of a tree, this time aiming to shatter her own world record. As of December 8, 2025, Muthoni began a grueling 72-hour tree-hugging marathon outside the office of Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutahi, pushing past the 48-hour record she set just ten months prior.
The rules are stark: no food, no water, and no breaks. She must maintain unbroken contact with the tree, allowed only to shift her position or move in a slow circle around its base. Her dedication was tested early as heavy rains poured down on Nyeri town, yet Muthoni remained steadfast, her embrace unwavering.
This attempt is Muthoni’s second record-breaking feat within a single year. Last February, at the age of 21, she captured global attention by hugging a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park, seizing the Guinness World Record from Ghana’s Hakim Abdul, who previously held the title at 24 hours.
But for Muthoni, this is far more than a physical stunt. The act is a powerful symbol linking two critical causes: environmental conservation and mental health awareness.
“If you’re feeling stressed, just take a walk into a nearby park, find a tree, or sit under one,” Muthoni has advised, speaking to the dual inspiration behind her embrace. She views mental health challenges as a pervasive crisis among Kenya’s youth and believes deeply in nature’s restorative power. Simultaneously, she uses the highly visible act to champion urgent climate action, framing youth as “consequential champions” for the planet.
Her meticulous preparation reveals the seriousness behind the spectacle. For her first record, Muthoni underwent a rigorous five-month training regimen, walking an average of 42 kilometers daily and working with a yoga coach to fortify her mental resilience.
The location of her initial attempt was also deeply symbolic. She chose Michuki Memorial Park in homage to the late Environment Minister John Michuki, who was instrumental in the park’s restoration.
Muthoni’s activism has resonated at the highest levels. Following her first success, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ababu Namwamba, celebrated her victory. He later praised her, stating, “Your historic feat has drawn global attention to the phenomenal power of youth as consequential champions for climate action.”
Hailing from Nyeri County, Muthoni is described not just as a climate warrior, but also as an artist, sustainability advocate, and dedicated Scout. Her ongoing quest is seen by local leaders as a potent expression of grassroots activism, demonstrating how personal conviction can ignite global conversation.
As she continues her silent vigil beneath the branches, Truphena Muthoni isn’t just attempting to break a record—she’s holding space for a healthier planet and a healthier mind, one enduring hour at a time.
