22-Year-Old Truphena Muthoni Sets World Record with 72-Hour Tree-Hugging Marathon

A 22-year-old Kenyan wildlife conservationist has established a new Guinness World Record after maintaining continuous physical contact with a tree for 72 consecutive hours.

Truphena Muthoni, an environmental advocate, completed the endurance challenge on December 11, having commenced the attempt on December 8 outside the Nyeri Governor’s office. The record-breaking effort saw her surpass her previous 48-hour achievement set earlier this year.

Protest Against Deforestation

Ms. Muthoni described the prolonged tree embrace as a form of silent environmental protest aimed at raising awareness about deforestation and ecological degradation in Kenya.

“The importance of this peaceful protest is that it bypasses all differences, because during the other protests we hear stories of goons, but this one bypasses all stories and triggers humanity,” she explained during the attempt.

The environmental activist emphasized that the action serves dual purposes: drawing attention to conservation issues while providing what she termed a therapeutic connection with nature. She positioned the gesture as a non-confrontational method of appealing to public conscience regarding environmental stewardship.

High-Profile Support

The record attempt attracted significant attention from political figures and public personalities. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga officially launched the challenge and provided logistical support throughout the three-day period.

Pan-African scholar and advocate Professor PLO Lumumba visited the site on the second day to offer encouragement, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly commended the effort through social media platforms.

Local residents congregated at the venue to provide moral support, while both traditional and digital media outlets provided extensive coverage of the unfolding record attempt.

Public Recognition and Rewards

Following successful completion of the challenge, various corporate entities and individuals announced rewards honoring Ms. Muthoni’s endurance and environmental advocacy.

A betting firm pledged KSh1 million to the conservationist, while another contributor offered KSh100,000 specifically designated for official Guinness World Records certification fees and application processes.

Additional pledges included a premium smartphone from a mobile device retailer, a three-month supply of custom-tailored clothing from a fashion designer, beauty and skincare products from a cosmetics outlet, and a fully funded three-day coastal holiday package inclusive of accommodation for Ms. Muthoni and a guardian.

Official Certification Pending

While the attempt has been completed, formal verification from Guinness World Records remains subject to their standard authentication procedures. The organization typically requires comprehensive documentation, witness statements, and video evidence before issuing official certification.

Upon confirmation, Ms. Muthoni will receive formal recognition as the holder of the world record for the longest continuous tree embrace, a distinction that carries international acknowledgment within the environmental advocacy community.

Growing Environmental Activism

The record attempt reflects broader youth engagement in environmental conservation efforts across Kenya. Deforestation remains a significant concern in the country, with activists employing various methods to highlight ecological challenges and promote sustainable land management practices.

Ms. Muthoni’s unconventional approach to environmental advocacy has generated substantial public discourse regarding conservation strategies and the role of peaceful demonstration in advancing ecological awareness.

The 22-year-old’s achievement adds to a growing list of Kenyan Guinness World Record holders who have utilized record-breaking attempts to spotlight social and environmental causes.