Hurrah! Truphena Muthoni breaks tree-hugging record amid cheers
Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has officially broken her own 72-hour tree-hugging record.
The 22-year-old completed the challenge on Thursday, December 11, 2025, amid loud cheers, ululation, and overwhelming support from the public.
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Throughout the challenge, Truphena remained rooted, literally hugging a single tree for three continuous days in an effort to raise awareness about the need to protect forests and wildlife.
72-hour tree hug
Truphena began her 72-hour marathon on December 8, 2025, in Nyeri County, drawing nationwide attention.
Her goal was to break her own Guinness World Record, which she set earlier this year after hugging a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park.
Her earlier feat earned her national recognition and praise from environmental groups. She said then that nature had helped her heal emotionally, and she hoped her actions would help others talk more openly about mental health.
This new challenge is meant to raise awareness about deforestation, climate change, and mental-health struggles among young people. Truphena has also included a three-hour blindfolded segment to highlight the experiences of visually impaired people and to link conservation to social justice.
Local leaders, environmental activists, and residents of Nyeri have been stopping by to encourage her as she continues the marathon.
Colours
Truphena’s choice of colours is not random but a statement, speaking during an interview with a local station on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, she said that each colour is a form of visual protest.
She says black represents African power, protest, and resilience. In this moment, black is her way of saying that environmental protection is also an African struggle, one rooted in identity and dignity.
The touch of green on her clothing represents reforestation, regeneration, and hope. As she hugs the tree, green becomes a symbol of the future she is fighting for, one where forests are restored, ecosystems are revived, and communities can still rely on nature.
In addition, Truphenas said that red is a colour tied to indigenous resistance and frontline courage. Blue on her attire is a tribute to water protectors and ocean defenders.
“Black means African power, protest and resilience, green is for reforestation, regeneration and hope, while red means indigenous resistance and frontline courage and blue water protectors and ocean defenders,” Truphena said.
