• Truphena completed her first world‑record‑setting tree hug between January 31 and February 2, 2025, holding onto a tree continuously for 48 hours.

Kenyan 22 year old Truphena Muthoni spent 72 straight hours hugging a tree. It’s an extraordinary feat, but the bigger story sits behind the embrace. What drives someone so young to take on such an unusual, demanding challenge?

The Guinness World Records has already acknowledged her previous attempts, and now they’re waiting for the final evidence to make this one official.

“You have to present continuous video from start to finish,” Muthoni explained during a recent interview on TV47. “They check everything against the rules. You also need witness statements and timekeepers’ reports.”

Despite the intensity of the process, Muthoni lights up when she talks about the experience. “It makes me feel fulfilled. It’s encouraging to see people rally behind such a cause. It’s not popular, but it matters.”

So where did it all begin?

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Muthoni’s connection to nature runs deep. “I started hugging trees when I was 17,” she said. “I’m a mental‑health survivor. I find healing and peace in nature.”

That personal journey shaped her mission. “We have so many issues around climate and mental health. I felt the best way to bring attention to them was to break a world record and spark a conversation about what really matters.”

Even her hair carries a message. She wears 17 braids—each representing one of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. The colors aren’t random either. Black stands for African power, protest, and resilience. Green symbolizes reforestation, regeneration, and hope. Red honors Indigenous resistance and frontline courage. Blue represents water protectors and ocean defenders.

This wasn’t her first attempt, and she’s honest about the lessons learned.

Truphena completed her first world‑record‑setting tree hug between January 31 and February 2, 2025, holding onto a tree continuously for 48 hours.

“The first time, I was very anxious,” she said. “I made mistakes in preparation. I couldn’t eat, drink, or take bathroom breaks. You have to prepare mentally for that.”

In earlier attempts, she avoided water, which left her dehydrated. This time, she focused on hydration and fasting. “Mental preparation is everything.”

She completed the 72‑hour hug at the Nyeri Governor’s office. Originally, she hoped to set the record during the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil, but accreditation challenges forced her to shift plans. Still, she stayed committed to the message.

“I want people to remember me for bringing people together through love,” she said.

Her effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Principal Secretary (PS) for Environment and Climate Change Festus Ng’eno congratulated her publicly, noting that the ministry has recommended her for National Honours.

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