Gospel musician Machabe, known also as the former manager for rapper Stevo Simple Boy, has publicly faulted Kenyans for their enthusiastic support of Truphena Muthoni’s attempt at a tree-huggingGuinness World Record (GWR).
Machabe argues that the nation is misplacing its emphasis on stunts rather than true talent and innovation.
His critique follows confirmation from GWR that Muthoni, a 22-year-old environmental activist, secured the official title for her earlier achievement.
Machabe Questions the Support
Machabe voiced strong concern over the public and political support given to Muthoni's endurance feat. He questioned the nation’s priorities, particularly regarding the 72-hour attempt.
He specifically labelled the act of hugging a tree for 72 hours as akin to "committing suicide". He questioned how Kenyans could celebrate someone attempting to endure 72 hours without eating or drinking while embracing a tree.
“How can you celebrate someone who has tried to commit suicide? Mtu ana hug mti for 72 hours, and you're celebrating that lady. That's so bad. 72 hours without eating is like committing suicide,” Machabe argued.
Overlooking True Innovation
The former manager stressed that Kenyans should support things that make sense, such as talent and innovation.
He stated that other countries, citing China as an example, recognise even small inventions and promote them internationally. He lamented that in Kenya, however, attention is focused on tree-hugging, even by elected officials.
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“How did we even find ourselves as Kenyans supporting someone hugging a tree for 72 hours? Why don’t we support talent?” he questioned.
Machabe highlighted specific local innovators who, he claims, were never properly recognised nationally.
He referenced a boy by the name Richard who was only 13 years old when he invented "lion lights"—a device used near game reserves to deter lions from attacking livestock.
Machabe noted that Richard achieved international recognition, but was ignored within Kenya.
He also mentioned Faith Wairimu, a young woman who invented an app designed to combat gender-based violence, especially in rural areas, but who was similarly unrecognised.
A Question of Priorities
Machabe concluded his critique by asking whether tree-hugging qualifies as a talent or an innovation deserving of such widespread national celebration.
“Let us support innovations. Let us support talents. At least we support something, but sasa hugging a tree, is it a talent? Is it an innovation?”
He maintains that while he supports Kenya in everything else, he cannot agree with the national support for this specific type of record attempt.
The Tree-Hugging Context
Truphena Muthoni, who hails from Mathira, received official certification from Guinness World Records for the longest marathon hugging a tree.
This successful attempt, lasting 48 hours, was set in Nairobi between 31st January and 2nd February 2025.
Muthoni shared the news of her recognition on X, posting a photograph of the coveted certificate.
However, her most recent and challenging effort—embracing an indigenous palm tree in Nyeri for a continuous 72 hours in December 2025—remains under review.
GWR is currently assessing the evidence, including detailed documentation, witness statements, and video footage, before verifying the 72-hour mark.
Muthoni has previously framed her tree embrace as "tree therapy," linking the ritual to resilience against climate despair and the global mental health crisis.
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