Nyeri: Environmentalist Truphena Muthoni's 72-hour tree hugging feat has officially been ratified by the Guinness World Record (GWR). Muthoni has now been endorsed as the world record holder for the achievement which she completed on December 11 last year at exactly 12:25 pm.

According to Kenya News Agency, Muthoni hugged an American ash tree outside the Nyeri Governor's office for 72 continuous hours, marking her name on the global scene. She had previously set another record on February 2 last year by hugging an indigenous tree for 48 hours and 22 minutes at the Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi. The only other person who had attempted a similar feat was Ghana's Abdul Hakim Awal, who hugged a tree for 24 hours in Kumasi on May 23 the same year.

The GWR noted that Muthoni had earlier achieved the record of hugging a tree for 48 hours. "The longest marathon hugging a tree is 72 hours and was achieved by Truphena Muthoni (Kenya) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8 to 11 December 2025," read the post on the GWR website. Muthoni expressed her motivation to elevate and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honor the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, whose knowledge systems are central to global climate solutions.

On December 15 last year, President Dr William Ruto conferred Muthoni with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) following her record-breaking achievement. The President also appointed the 22-year-old activist as Kenya's Ambassador of the 15 billion tree planting campaign, aligning with Kenya's Mission 15B (JazaMiti) initiative to plant 15 billion trees and restore degraded landscapes by 2032.

The President praised Muthoni for her commitment to environmental conservation and affirmed the government's support in her efforts. "I had the pleasure of engaging with her in my office following her remarkable and record-breaking act," stated the Head of State. He further lauded her as an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication embodies the nation's spirit.

In support of Muthoni's dream of visiting Brazil, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry announced sponsorship for her trip to the country that hosted the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 2025). Both the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have also promised her a fully sponsored holiday as appreciation for her accomplishment.

Muthoni, now a global celebrity, highlighted her reasons for the tree hugging challenge, emphasizing the need to conserve indigenous forests facing extinction due to rampant logging. She warned about the connection between environmental degradation and mental health challenges, advocating for nature's healing effects. "I am a guardian of the forest and an advocate of indigenous people," she stated, inviting everyone to reconnect with nature.