‘I leave that to you’- Ruto declines insane 72-hour tree-hugging challenge from Muthoni
Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni had a bold and candid moment with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where she asked him how many hours he could endure hugging a tree.
In a video shared on her official X account on Monday, December 15, 2025, Truphena candidly asked the Head of State how far his endurance could go, comparing it to her recently concluded record of hugging a tree for seventy-two hours nonstop.
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“So I hugged a tree for seventy-two hours, and how long can you go?” Muthoni asked President Ruto.
In his response, Ruto laughed it off while politely saying how he cannot handle hugging a tree that long; however, instead, he would prefer cheering her on as she does it.
“My dear, I do many things, but I do not want to try that one; that one I leave to you. As for me, my job will be to cheer you on,” Ruto responded.
Truphena’s goodies from Ruto
President William Ruto awarded environmental activist Truphena Muthoni the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) after her 72-hour hugging record went viral.
In a post on his official X account on Monday, December 15, 2025, Ruto announced that he has awarded Truphena the HSC for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship.
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Truphena was awarded the prestigious award on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the State House, Nairobi.
At the time, Ruto acknowledged that indeed her 72-hour record was a symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.
“Truphena Muthoni is an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit. I had the pleasure of engaging with her in my office following her remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree, a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,” Ruto said.
Ruto further appointed Truphena Muthoni as the Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future.
“In recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, I have appointed her as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future,” Ruto added.
With more goodies, the President has awarded Truphena a fully sponsored holiday experience.
“In further appreciation of her inspiring efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience,” Ruto added.
In addition, Ruto announced that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry will support the realization of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership.
