Guinness World Records responds after Kenyans demand recognition of Truphena’s feat
By Steve Ireri, December 11, 2025Guinness World Records (GWR) has responded to a wave of messages from Kenyans urging it to officially recognise environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging feat.
The appeal unfolded in the comments section of a Facebook post on Thursday, December 11, 2025, where GWR had announced the fastest sand-skiing record, set at 121 km/h by Mahé Freydier in Peru.
Also watch: Muthoni’s mission to highlight the healing power of nature in mental health
The organisation had shared details of Freydier’s attempt, highlighting that he broke a 15-year-old benchmark of 92 km/h and skied so fast that he burned a hole through his skis.
“Fastest sand skiing 121 km/h (75 mph) by Mahé Freydier. The previous record of 92 km/h (57 mph) had stood for over 15 years. Mahé was travelling so fast during the attempt that he burned a hole in his skis! His record attempt took place in Toro Mata, Acarí, Peru,” Guinness World Records posted.
Within minutes, Kenyans flooded the comment section, steering the conversation away from sand-skiing and toward Truphena’s recently completed 72-hour environmental protest in Nyeri.
One user, Fredrick Timotheo, wrote that Kenya already had its own record-setter, saying Truphena had indeed achieved a new world record by hugging a tree for 72 hours.
GWR responded directly to him, stating that it looked forward to receiving the evidence required for assessment.
“We have a world record holder in Kenya. Truphena Muthoni sets a new world record for hugging a tree for 72 hours,” @Fredrick Timotheo commented on the post.
“@Fredrick Timotheo, We look forward to receiving the evidence 🌳,” Guinness World Records responded to him.
Another Kenyan, Billy Jabos HSC, questioned why the organisation had not yet acknowledged Truphena’s challenge, implying the oversight stemmed from Kenya being a small village.
GWR replied using the same wording, again indicating that it welcomed the submission of evidence for verification.
“Kenya is a small village, huh? You can’t recognise Truphena’s record,” @Billy Jabos Hsc commented.
“Billy Jabos Hsc. We look forward to receiving the evidence 🌳,” GWR responded.
Elusive feat
The 22-year-old environmental activist officially broke her own 72-hour tree-hugging record on Thursday, December 11, 2025, amid loud cheers and overwhelming support from the public.
She began her 72-hour marathon on December 8, 2025, in Nyeri County, drawing nationwide attention.
Also watch: Push on my daughter: Gachagua celebrates Truphena Muthoni in her tree-hugging quest
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.
The new challenge was meant to raise awareness about deforestation, climate change, and mental-health struggles among young people.
Truphena also included a three-hour blindfolded segment to highlight the experiences of visually impaired people and to link conservation to social justice.