Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old Kenyan activist, is once again embracing nature in a daring attempt to secure a new Guinness World Record (GWR).

This marks her second major record challenge within the 2025 calendar year.

Hailing from Nyeri County

Truphena Muthoni is a climate activist and artist who hails from Nyeri County. She is also described as a sustainability advocate and a dedicated Scout.

In February 2025, when she was 21, Muthoni achieved widespread recognition for her first tree-hugging success. She secured the world record by hugging a tree continuously for 48 hours.

This initial feat took place at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi.

The Inspiration Behind the Embrace

Muthoni uses the highly visible act of tree-hugging as a powerful statement on two crucial issues. Her primary goal is to raise awareness about the importance of nature in tackling mental health struggles.

She considers mental health issues a crisis among young people and the general public in Kenya.

"If you're feeling stressed, just take a walk into a nearby park, find a tree, or sit under one," she explained to a publication.

Her work specifically links environmental conservation with human well-being. She is also passionate about climate action and highlights the restorative power of nature.

The choice of Michuki Park for her first record attempt was strategic. She drew inspiration from the late Environment Minister John Michuki, who was vital in restoring the park.

Breaking Her Own Record

On December 8, 2025, Muthoni began her new challenge in Nyeri town. She is attempting to hug a tree for 72 consecutive hours, pushing past her own existing record of 48 hours.

This endurance challenge is taking place outside the office of Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutahi. Muthoni is undertaking this three-day marathon under strict rules.

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Her rules are strict: no food, no water, and no breaks.

She must maintain continuous contact with the tree trunk. However, she is permitted to shift her position and move around the tree as long as the embrace remains unbroken.

Previous Champion and Preparation

Before Muthoni’s 48-hour success, the previous Guinness World Record was held by Hakim Abdul, a national of Ghana. Abdul’s record was 24 hours, which Muthoni originally aimed to surpass.

To build the necessary stamina, Muthoni trained for roughly five months leading up to her first attempt. Her training regime was intensive.

She engaged in the daily activity of walking an average of 42 kilometersfor about 5 months. She also engaged a yoga coach for her mental training during the same period.

Her first record, achieved on February 1, 2025, earned her national applause. Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ababu Namwamba, celebrated her initial triumph.

He noted that her historic feat drew global attention to the power of youth activism.

“Your historic feat has drawn global attention to the phenomenal power of youth as consequential champions for climate action,” he stated.

Muthoni’s dedication during the second attempt was tested early on. She remained steadfast while hugging the tree even as heavy rains poured down in Nyeri.

Her ongoing quest is viewed by local leadership as a powerful expression of grassroots environmental activism.