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Guinness World Records confirms Truphena Muthoni's title
Truphena Muthoni, a climate and environmental advocate and mental-health survivor, braves a heavy downpour as she hugs a palm tree in Nyeri town during her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon.
The Guinness World Records (GWR) has confirmed that 22-year-old environmentalist Truphena Muthoni set the record for the longest marathon tree-hugging, lasting 72 hours.
According to the GWR website, Truphena achieved the feat from December 8 to December 11, 2025, completing the marathon at the Nyeri Governor’s Office compound on Thursday, December 11, at 12:25 pm.
“She told GWR that she took on this challenge to advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honor the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, whose knowledge remains central to global climate solutions,” the website read.
GWR added that the record aims to inspire people to fall in love with nature, so conservation becomes a passion, not just an instruction.
Reposting the recognition on her Facebook page, Truphena wrote: “For the people and the planet.”
This is the second time the environmentalist has been ratified for a tree-hugging marathon. On Friday, December 12, 2025, she was recognized for her previous feat of hugging a tree for 48 hours, achieved in Nairobi between January 31 and February 2, 2025, which surpassed the previous record by nearly 24 hours.
The previous record was held by Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal, who hugged a tree for 24 hours, 21 minutes, and 4 seconds in Kumasi on May 23, 2024.
“She took on this challenge to highlight the mental and emotional benefits of tree hugging. She spent over five months preparing, including 42 km walks and 12-hour test runs hugging a tree, and ultimately surpassed the previous record by almost 24 hours,” GWR said.
Following the recognition, Truphena’s Facebook page was flooded with congratulatory messages.
Alvin Gitau wrote: “Congratulations, Truphena! You did not just hug a tree, you gave the world a reason to hold on a little tighter to their dreams.”
Another follower, Kimani Gladys, wrote: “For the planet, here we stay!”
Truphena is scheduled to address the media from Nyeri town on Monday evening.
