Truphena Muthoni receives Ksh1M, Samsung Fold 7 after tree-hugging challenge
By Nancy Marende, December 11, 2025The 22-year-old environmental champion Truphena Muthoni has received a cash reward of Ksh1 million, a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Fold 7, and a title deed after successfully completing her record-breaking tree-hugging challenge.
Muthoni was celebrated on Thursday, December 11, 2025, during the Nyeri Youth Summit, where she was honoured for her resilience and environmental advocacy.
Also watch: Push on my daughter: Gachagua celebrates Truphena Muthoni in her tree-hugging quest
The cash reward was fulfilled by Baby Top, who had earlier promised the contribution in a playful social media post on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
“1M shillings from OdiBets at 12:20 pm kesho Muthoni… sitakuitisha cia maitho but utaninunulia Manyatta Pineapple Cider mbili sweetie!” Baby Top wrote.
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.
Also watch: Kenyans rally for Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging feat
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 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 continued 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.