Ngunjiri praises Truphena’s resilience despite missing out on past trip to Brazil
By Cynthia Lodite, December 15, 2025Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Wambugu Ngunjiri has praised environmental activist Thruphena Muthoni for her resilience in the race of chasing her Brazilian dream.
In a post on his official X account on Monday, December 15, 2025, Ngunjiri praised Truphena’s effort in bringing attention to the environmental issues close to her heart and important to members of the public.
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He went on, adding that despite missing out on the COP 30 event, which was held in Brazil, she stayed focused on the Brazilian dream.
“Truphena didn’t give up when she missed an opportunity to go to Brazil through whatever shenanigans happened in the Ministry. She stayed focused and did what she’s good at: bringing attention to the environmental issues close to her heart and important to us,” Ngunjiri said.
His remarks come just moments after President William Ruto announced that the twenty-two-year-old environmental activist is the official ambassador for the 15B Tree Planting Project by the government.
“What she wanted—going to Brazil—has now happened. And not only that: she’s going as the official ambassador for the 15B Tree Planting project (for those who suggested she should have planted trees for 72 hours instead). And she gets a fully paid holiday for her and her team (in addition to what Kabu gave her), as well as an #HSC!” he added.
Also Watch: 22-year-old woman draws crowds in Nyeri as she attempts 72-hour tree-hugging record
Truphena’s goddies 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.
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.