By KPC Reporter
A young Kenyan environmentalist has embarked on a daring 72-hour non-stop tree-hugging challenge in Nyeri, determined to break her own world record and draw global attention to the role of indigenous communities in climate action.
Speaking during the attempt, Truphena Muthoni, 22, said she initially set the world record at 48 hours, but is now pushing herself further “for our people and for our planet.”
“This record was supposed to happen in Brazil during COP30 because indigenous forests and indigenous peoples were at the center of the climate talks,” she explained.
“It was a chance to represent indigenous people from Nyeri and to stand in solidarity with the Kilombolas, the guardians of the Amazon forests.”
She added that bureaucracy and unfair treatment from the Ministry of Environment stopped her, adding: “Still, I am here to do it.”
Her endurance challenge is taking place during UNEA-7 and ahead of upcoming youth summits in Nyeri.
She said the project is not only symbolic but also therapeutic.
“Tree hugging is scientifically proven to be healing,” she said.
“When people face floods, droughts and other climate disasters, they suffer trauma. I want to remind everyone that nature heals. Conservation begins with love—we must nurture a million people who care before we plant a million trees.”
Supporters at the site applauded Muthoni’s resilience, noting she had already endured 24 hours of rain, cold, and sleeplessness without blankets.
“Look at her spirit,” said one supporter. “She was rained on yesterday, she stayed out all night, but she is still standing strong. That is the kind of youth we want—the spirit of the Nyeri woman.”
Calling on young people across Kenya to stay focused and creative, the supporter added: “She is only 22. If she lives to 80, imagine how many things she will achieve. Whatever you do, commit to it. Find something you’re ready to give your all for.”
Her 72-hour challenge continues as onlookers including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga cheer her on, hoping she will once again etch her name into the record books—this time for a cause rooted in love, resilience, and the protection of nature.
“She is once again making Nyeri County proud as she attempts to break her own world record: moving from 48 hours of tree-hugging to an ambitious 72 hours,” Kahiga wrote on X.
-The bulk of this story was done based on a package that aired on K24 television. The pictures were published by Governor Kahiga on X.