By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, December 11 2025 - Kenya on Thursday etched its name into the global record books as 22-year-old Truphena Muthoni became the first human being in history to hug a tree for 72 uninterrupted hours, a feat of endurance that electrified Nyeri and captivated the world.
At exactly 12:25pm, the moment the clock hit the 72-hour mark, thousands of Kenyans who had camped outside Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s office compound erupted into deafening celebration.
Security officers struggled to contain the surging crowds as they chanted Muthoni’s name, waved flags, and raised their phones to capture history in real time.
A smiling but visibly exhausted Muthoni finally released her grip from the towering indigenous tree she had held onto since Monday afternoon, completing a non-stop marathon that demanded extraordinary resilience.
A multi-agency team of medics, Red Cross personnel and National Police Service officers immediately shielded her and rushed her for urgent medical attention. No media interview was allowed.
For 72 hours, Muthoni neither ate, drank, nor left her position — testing the limits of human endurance while turning an ordinary tree into a global symbol of hope.
Muthoni, from Ihwagi in Mathira Constituency, is already a Guinness World Record holder for hugging a tree continuously for 48 hours.
Her latest triumph not only shattered her own record but elevated Kenya to the global environmental stage.
Through drenching rain, cold nights and blistering heat, she remained steadfast, smiling at cheering fans and acknowledging leaders who came to support her.
More from Kenya
On Wednesday, when she surpassed her previous 48-hour record, she reaffirmed her mission: promoting environmental conservation and mental wellness.
“I am a guardian of the forests and an advocate of indigenous people and trees,” Muthoni said. “This 72-hour challenge is about championing the protection of indigenous trees.”
She described tree hugging as a powerful therapeutic practice, warning that environmental destruction continues to worsen global mental health crises. “We have a mental health crisis linked to environmental degradation,” she said. “Nature heals, and we must return to it.”
Her mantra resonated deeply with supporters: “Before we plant a million trees, we must nurture a million hearts that care.”
As the clock wound down, thousands squeezed against the perimeter fence, forming a mosaic of faces united in anticipation.
Governor Kahiga, Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang’ombe, and local leaders led the crowd in celebrating the young environmental icon.
“This is more than a record attempt. It is a powerful statement by a young person who believes in the healing power of nature,” Governor Kahiga said. “Truphena is challenging us to rethink how we treat the environment and our mental health.”
Nyeri stood still. United behind a young woman whose courage, creativity and conviction transformed a simple act into a world historic moment.
