Truphena Muthoni Says Government Ignored Her Before 72-Hour Tree Hugging Feat

Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has spoken openly about the lack of government support she experienced before undertaking her now-famous 72-hour tree hugging feat. Her remarks have added a new layer to the public conversation around her achievement, shifting attention to the challenges young activists face when seeking institutional backing for environmental initiatives.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday, December 14, 2025, Truphena explained that her efforts to secure assistance from the Ministry of Environment were unsuccessful. According to her account, she made multiple requests for support ahead of the record attempt but received no response. Despite reaching out through different channels, she said her appeals were met with silence.

“When I was trying to achieve what I have already achieved, I did not get any support. I had requested support in different ways, but I did not get support from the Ministry of Environment,” Muthoni explained.

She further disclosed that her original plan was to carry out the 72-hour hugging challenge on a global stage during the recently concluded COP 30 conference in Brazil. However, the lack of accreditation and logistical support forced her to rethink her approach and eventually perform the feat locally in Kenya.

“I requested accreditation support to go to COP 30, but I didn’t get it. This record I did in Kenya was supposed to happen in Brazil,” she explained.

Her revelation has sparked debate online, especially in light of the recognition she later received for the same effort. Many supporters have pointed out the contrast between the initial lack of institutional backing and the praise that followed once her action gained widespread attention.

Why did Truphena Muthoni seek government support before the record attempt?

Truphena explained that her outreach to the Ministry of Environment was driven by a desire to align her activism with global climate conversations. Accreditation to COP 30 would have allowed her to highlight environmental conservation issues on an international platform while representing Kenya. The opportunity, she said, would have amplified her message and connected her with other climate leaders from around the world.

Despite the setback, Truphena proceeded with the challenge in Kenya, demonstrating resilience and commitment to her cause. Her local execution of the feat went viral on social media, quickly attracting attention across digital platforms and elevating her profile as a climate advocate.

How is Truphena Muthoni planning to use her growing TikTok influence?

Days after sharing her experience with government institutions, Truphena announced her intention to turn her rising TikTok fame into a force for positive change. Speaking during a TikTok livestream on Thursday night, December 11, 2025, she reflected on her personal journey and the hardships that have shaped her worldview.

During the livestream, Truphena noted that many people may not fully understand the struggles she has faced, but those experiences have strengthened her resolve to support girls and young people navigating similar challenges. She emphasized that her platform is not just about visibility but about creating real impact.

“I will make sure that girls won’t have to go through what I went through in life. In my journey, I have been through so much, even though many people don’t know. I want to use my platform to help other people grow,” she said.

The livestream took an emotional turn as viewers sent a flood of TikTok gifts and M-Pesa contributions in support of her mission. Truphena revealed that the volume of donations became so overwhelming that her M-Pesa temporarily jammed, making it difficult for her to transfer the funds to M-Shwari.

Her story continues to resonate with young audiences, blending activism, personal resilience, and digital influence. As her platform grows, Truphena Muthoni remains focused on turning attention into tangible support for environmental conservation and social empowerment.

By Modester Nasimiyu