Truphena issues update after meeting former ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru
By Steve Ireri, January 11, 2026Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has shared an update after spending time with former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Joe Mucheru at his farmhouse in Chaka, Nyeri County.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the 22-year-old activist described the visit as inspiring, saying she engaged in a meaningful conversation with a leader who actively practices the values he speaks about.
“I visited former Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. Joe Mucheru, at his farmhouse in Chaka. It was inspiring to engage with a leader who not only speaks about technology and environmental conservation, but truly lives it,” Truphena wrote.
She revealed that Mucheru praised her environmental advocacy, particularly her efforts to protect indigenous forests and her widely publicised Tree Hugging Marathon Challenge, which has drawn national and international attention.
“He appreciated my advocacy for the protection of indigenous forests and my role as a guardian of the forest, and acknowledged my Tree Hugging Marathon Challenge journey. We shared an insightful conversation on rallying citizens toward environmental conservation and exploring opportunities that benefit both the environment and the community,” Truphena wrote.
According to Truphena, they discussed ways of mobilising citizens toward environmental conservation while also exploring opportunities that can benefit both communities and the environment.
“What stood out most was his remarkable commitment, having planted and nurtured over 15,000 indigenous trees to maturity,” she said, adding that the calm and refreshing atmosphere at the farm left her energised and even more determined to continue her conservation work.
“I left energised and even more committed to protecting our forests,” she posted.
National hero
Truphena has been in the national spotlight following her successful completion of a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, which ended on Thursday, December 11, 2025, amid cheers, ululation and widespread public support.
The challenge, which began on December 8, 2025, in Nyeri County, saw her hug a single tree continuously for three days to raise awareness about deforestation, climate change and the need to protect forests and wildlife.
The feat marked her attempt to break her own previous record of 48 hours, which she set earlier in the year at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park, earning her national recognition and praise from environmental groups.
Beyond conservation, Truphena has said her tree-hugging campaigns are also meant to spark conversations around mental health, especially among young people.
During the latest challenge, she included a three-hour blindfolded segment to highlight the experiences of visually impaired individuals and to link environmental protection with social justice.