22-year-old Truphena Muthoni has set a new world record after hugging a tree for 72 hours at the Nyeri County Governor's office. The environmentalist completed the challenge on Thursday, December 11.
Muthoni kicked off her record-breaking attempt on Tuesday, December 8, 2025, at 12:20 p.m., drawing attention from Kenyans and global audiences who watched her progress throughout the grueling three-day challenge.
The feat marks a significant improvement on her previous achievement, when she hugged a tree at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi for approximately 48 hours and 22 minutes non-stop in February 2025.
Beyond breaking her own record, Muthoni's latest challenge carried a deeper message focused on indigenous trees, indigenous communities, and inclusivity for people living with disabilities. She incorporated a three-hour blindfold session during the attempt to experience and raise awareness about visual impairment.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who monitored Muthoni's progress, confirmed that medical checks would be conducted following the completion of the challenge.
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"After she's done, we will take her to the hospital for a checkup, just to make sure everything is fine. Then she will later join us at the youth conference that is ongoing," Governor Kahiga stated.
The Governor also shared his thoughts on the therapeutic benefits of tree hugging, saying, "I don't know if people know this, but when you hug a tree, it cleanses you. If you are sick and you hug a tree it purifies you."
Muthoni's ambitious attempt attracted substantial backing from various organizations and individuals.
OdiBets pledged Ksh 1 million toward her achievement, while Adequate Safaris offered a fully paid three-night Mombasa holiday. Individual supporters also came forward, with Damaris of Dama Spares Original promising a Samsung Galaxy Fold 7, and Solomon Maina offering KSh 100,000 to help cover Guinness World Records processing fees.
High-profile figures also rallied behind the environmentalist. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua encouraged her efforts, emphasizing the importance of her work in environmental conservation and mental health awareness.
Governor Kahiga, alongside Nyeri Deputy Governor Kinaniri Waroe, officially launched the countdown for Muthoni's attempt, expressing pride in having the record-breaking event take place in Nyeri County.
