Hugging Her Way Into Guinness Glory as Truphena Muthoni Launches Second Record-Breaking Bid

Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old Kenyan environmental activist, pushed herself into another historic moment as she took on a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County. Her effort marked her second attempt at a Guinness World Record and showcased the same determination and compassion that made her first record so memorable. This new marathon began on December 8, 2025, and ended on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12:30 pm, drawing national attention as she battled harsh weather and exhaustion in a silent protest for the planet.

Her mission was clear from the first hour. She wanted to raise awareness about deforestation, animal protection, and the growing threats facing Kenya’s natural ecosystems. Muthoni, known for connecting emotional healing with environmental care, approached this challenge with a mix of discipline, symbolism, and deep personal conviction.

Throughout the marathon, she endured three cold nights filled with mosquitoes and biting insects, followed by four days of relentless heat. Her determination pushed her past the previous world record of 72 hours, setting her up for recognition once again. Residents of Nyeri gathered at a respectful distance, watching her embrace the tree with an intensity that spoke louder than any speech. Several leaders also voiced their support, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, rallying her through the final hours.

Why Did Truphena Choose These Symbolic Colours?

While the endurance test itself captured attention, the colours she wore added another layer of meaning. During an interview with a local station on December 10, 2025, she explained that every colour on her clothing was part of a visual protest. She described black as a representation of African power, protest, and resilience, noting that environmental protection is an African struggle tied to dignity and identity. The green on her outfit symbolized reforestation, regeneration, and hope for revived forests and healthier ecosystems.

She also wore red to honour indigenous resistance and frontline courage, while blue represented water protectors and ocean defenders. In her own words, “Black means African power, protest, and resilience; green is for reforestation, regeneration, and hope; while red means indigenous resistance and frontline courage and blue water protectors and ocean defenders.”

These colours connected her environmental message to broader conversations about justice, identity, and human rights.

What Inspired Her Second Guinness World Record Attempt?

The journey to this moment began with her earlier achievement, when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park. That record earned her national praise and introductions to environmental groups across the country. At the time, she shared openly about her personal healing, noting how nature had supported her emotional well-being and encouraging others to speak more freely about mental health.

Her new 72-hour campaign expanded on those goals. Truphena wanted to spotlight deforestation, climate change, and the mental-health challenges affecting young people. She added a three-hour blindfolded segment to honour visually impaired individuals and to show how environmental activism can align with social justice.

By Yockshard Enyendi