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NEMA celebrates Truphena Muthoni for completing her 72-hour tree-hugging challenge
12th December, 2025 06:56 PM
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has celebrated environmental enthusiast Truphena Muthoni for completing an extraordinary 72-hour tree-hugging challenge.
In a statement on Friday, December 12, 2025, NEMA praised Muthoni’s endurance, passion, and unwavering focus, showcasing not only personal resilience but also deep love for nature.
“NEMA Kenya extends warmest congratulations to Truphena Muthoni for her exceptional dedication and commitment demonstrated through the 72-hour tree-hugging marathon record. Her steadfast effort highlights her admirable passion for environmental conservation and a strong spirit of resilience,” the statement reads in part.
“Her action has not only raised awareness but has also inspired communities to reflect on their role in conserving and protecting our natural resources. NEMA recognises and salutes her remarkable contribution to environmental stewardship.”
The challenge
The environmental activist completed the challenge on Thursday, December 11, 2025, amid loud cheers, ululation, and overwhelming support from the public.
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.
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 stopped by to encourage her as she continues the marathon.
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.
