In the heart of Kenya, a young woman named Truphena Muthoni became a symbol of resilience and a powerful voice for the trees. Her journey to breaking the Guinness World Record for tree-hugging was not merely about physical endurance, but a silent, profound protest for environmental conservation.
This act was also a crucial call for mental well-being awareness. Her actions have resonated deeply, highlighting the essential connection between the health of our planet and the health of our minds.
Truphena’s story first gained significant national attention in February 2025, when the then 21-year-old artist and mental health activist set her sights on a 48-hour tree hug at Michuki Park in Nairobi. This location was a deliberate and symbolic choice, honoring the legacy of the late Environment Minister John Michuki who had championed the restoration of the once-neglected green space.
Her initial goal was to surpass the previous record and, more importantly, to raise awareness about the healing power of nature in the face of a growing mental health crisis across Kenya.
For five months leading up to the event, she trained rigorously, walking up to 42 kilometers daily to build both her physical and mental fortitude for the challenge ahead. From January 31st to February 2nd, Truphena clung steadfastly to a tree in Michuki Park, her unwavering embrace capturing the hearts of many.
She successfully set a new national record. This initial feat, covered by outlets like big3africa.org, served as a powerful prelude to her ultimate goal of a longer hug.
However, for Truphena, 48 hours was only the beginning of her mission. Her spirit, deeply connected to the earth and driven by a desire for greater impact, yearned for a more monumental challenge. This led her to Nyeri, where in December 2025, she embarked on a grueling 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and commitment.
The 22-year-old environmentalist chose a tree in the Nyeri Governor’s office compound as her silent partner in this new endeavor, turning a local government space into a stage for a national environmental protest. This time, her stand against deforestation was also a personal challenge to push her own limits, having initially planned a 72-hour hug in Brazil that unfortunately did not materialize.
From December 8th, for three consecutive days, Truphena stood firm, enduring harsh weather conditions, including rain and cold, without food or sleep. Her silent protest resonated across the nation, drawing the attention of political leaders and locals alike, with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and other prominent figures offering their constant support and encouragement.
As she surpassed her previous 48-hour record, the crowd of supporters grew exponentially, with people traveling from different counties just to witness her incredible feat of endurance and solidarity. Her act was more than just a record attempt; it was a profound statement on the interconnectedness of environmental and mental health, a message that transcended the physical act of hugging a tree.
“I did this to show that nature can hold us when life feels heavy, and that protecting our trees is part of protecting our own well-being,” she shared, articulating the core of her mission. Her journey, from the 48-hour hug in Nairobi to the record-shattering 72 hours in Nyeri, is a powerful testament to the profound impact one individual can have when they stand firmly for a cause they believe in.
In recognition of her successful and inspiring challenge, Truphena was rewarded with a title deed, Ksh. 1 million, a Samsung Fold 7, and a fully paid trip to Dubai, among other gifts. Truphena Muthoni has not just broken a record; she has planted a seed of hope and activism in the heart of Kenya, proving that dedication to a cause can bring both change and recognition.
