Kenyan Activist Hugs Tree for 72 Hours to Save the Planet

Truphena Muthoni spent 72 hours wrapped around a tree, and she wants the world to know that saving the planet doesn't have to be scary or complicated.

The 22-year-old Kenyan activist shattered the Guinness World Record for longest marathon tree hug in February 2025. Her record-breaking embrace lasted three full days, beating her own previous record of 48 hours.

The record has bounced between activists since 2024, when it started at just 16 hours. Truphena took the title in February, briefly lost it to Ghana's Frederick Boakye at 50 hours, then came roaring back with her 72-hour achievement.

But for Truphena, founder of the Hug the Earth initiative, this wasn't about competition. "The first attempt was a statement," she explained. "The second attempt was a commitment."

Her preparation journey taught her valuable lessons about respecting her body's limits. Before her first attempt, she practiced dry fasting and reduced water intake, which she later realized put dangerous strain on her kidneys.

For round two, she took the opposite approach. She increased her water intake for weeks beforehand and stayed calm and confident. The difference was remarkable: physical exhaustion disappeared, leaving only manageable sleepiness as her main challenge.

Truphena earned five minutes of rest for every hour hugging the tree, which she could save up or use immediately. She had an ambulance on standby, just in case.

Why This Inspires

Everything about Truphena's attempt carried meaning. Her green outfit and hair color symbolized environmental protection. After passing 48 hours, she blindfolded herself to honor people living with disabilities.

As an ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign, she chose a simple act to deliver a profound message. "Healing the planet does not require violence, conflict, or fear," she said. "It can begin with care."

Her philosophy challenges traditional environmental activism. "Before we plant a million trees, we must nurture a million hearts that care," she explained. "Conservation should come from a place of love instead of instruction."

Truphena learned that leadership doesn't always mean being loud. Sometimes the strongest statement comes from stillness, from offering time back to Earth for reflection and reconnection.

She sees her record not as personal glory but as proof that humans can sustain their connection to nature. "If one person can stay connected for 72 hours, then surely humanity can learn to protect what still sustains us."

Her message honors Indigenous wisdom while inviting everyone to see nature not as something separate, but as family. Through one extraordinary hug, she's awakening hearts around the world to the power of caring for our planet.