Two hours to go: Truphena Muthoni nears 72-hr tree-hugging record

Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has entered the final stretch of her ambitious 72-hour continuous tree-hugging challenge, with just about two hours remaining to reach her target and set a new world record.

The 22-year-old began the marathon on Monday, December 8, 2025 outside the Nyeri governor’s office, under the watchful eyes of supporters, county officials and curious onlookers.

Her goal: to extend her previous record of 48 continuous hours, achieved in February 2025, to an impressive 72 hours.

From the outset, Muthoni has described the exercise as more than a mere endurance stunt.

She said it is a “silent protest” against deforestation, a call for indigenous forest protection, and a personal statement on mental-health healing through reconnecting with nature.

"The reason for hugging trees is that it's therapeutic, and we have a lot of mental health crises across the world that are directly involved with environmental degradation," she added.

The challenge has not been easy.

Over the past 66 hours, Muthoni has endured heavy rains, cold nights and physical exhaustion — all while hugging the selected tree without food, water or breaks.

Still, she remains firm. Supporters remain on site, offering umbrellas, blankets, portable heaters and moral support as the hours wind down.

Her endeavour has drawn wide support, from residents and environmental activists to political leaders.

Among them, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged her to “push on” and complete the 72-hour challenge, framing it as a powerful statement on conservation and mental health awareness.

“Truphena Muthoni, push on, my daughter,” Gachagua said on Wednesday.

“I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guinness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and the mental health challenges attached.”

Governor Mutahi Kahiga also lent his support, saying Muthoni’s persistence epitomises youthful determination and could inspire others to take up creative and meaningful forms of activism.

Kahiga urged young people to channel their energy and creativity into positive action.

“So, even you, whatever you are, please do what you are doing in the right way; do it and focus rather than just wasting time. Be creative like she is. In other words, find something that you are ready to die for,” he said.

For many observers, the final hours represent more than a record-breaking moment.

They embody a message that individual commitment can spotlight urgent global issues: deforestation, climate change, mental-health struggles and environmental solidarity.

Muthoni has pledged that even if she succeeds or falls short, the conversation sparked by this act will live on.

As the country waits, the countdown continues, and with five hours to go, all eyes are on Muthoni and the tree she refuses to let go.