Kenyan Woman Sets Tree-Hugging Record: 72 Hours Straight

Truphena Muthoni stood wrapped around a royal palm tree for three straight days, refusing food and sleep, to make the world pay attention to climate change.

The 22-year-old environmental activist from Nyeri County, Kenya, officially earned her Guinness World Record this week for the 72-hour tree hug she completed in December 2025. She beat her own previous record of 48 hours set just 10 months earlier.

Muthoni completed the challenge outside the Nyeri Governor's office between December 8 and 11. Guinness World Records rules required continuous high-definition camera coverage showing her hands at all times, meaning she couldn't take a single break.

The young activist prepared for five months before the attempt. She trained with 42-kilometer walks and spent 12 hours at a time practicing her tree-hugging technique.

During the actual 72 hours, she battled hunger, exhaustion, and harsh weather conditions. After reaching the 48-hour mark, she blindfolded herself to honor people living with disabilities.

Muthoni grew up in Mathira Sub-county and credits her time as a scout rover for teaching her perseverance and environmental responsibility. She studied environmental governance and believes that mental health struggles and climate injustices stem from environmental damage.

"I'm extremely happy. I'm beyond excited. I want to thank Kenyans for supporting me," Muthoni said after receiving the official confirmation from Guinness World Records on Monday.

The Ripple Effect

Her dedication caught the attention of Kenya's President William Ruto, who invited her to State House just four days after her record-breaking hug. He appointed her as ambassador for Kenya's ambitious 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 to fight climate change.

The president also awarded her a Head of State Commendation medal for environmental stewardship. "I had the pleasure of engaging with her following her remarkable act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree, a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness," Ruto said.

Muthoni believes tree-hugging has therapeutic benefits and can help people struggling with mental health issues. She says the simple act of embracing a tree can bring happiness and relief to those who need it most.

One woman's three-day hug is now inspiring a nation to plant billions of trees.