Nyeri County, Kenya – Climate activist Truphena Muthoni has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for completing the longest marathon hugging a tree, sustaining the feat for an extraordinary 72 continuous hours.
The record-breaking attempt took place on December 11, 2025, in Nyeri County, where Muthoni endured cold, rainy nights and long, dreary days without a break to complete the challenge.
Guinness World Records Recognition
In a statement, Guinness World Records confirmed that Muthoni had surpassed her own previous record of 48 hours, set earlier in 2025.
“Longest marathon hugging a tree 72 hours by @truphena_muthoni,” the organization announced on its official social media platforms.
The organization noted that Muthoni’s attempt was motivated by her mission to advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honor the wisdom of indigenous communities.
Advocacy and Philosophy
Muthoni has earned national recognition for her environmental activism, particularly her efforts to promote reforestation and the preservation of native tree species. She has consistently challenged the indiscriminate felling of indigenous trees while encouraging community-led conservation initiatives.
In a previous interview, she explained the philosophy underpinning her activism:
“I am doing this to encourage people to fall in love with nature, so that they do not hurt nature. I believe that conservation begins with love, and that we must nurture a million trees before we plant a million trees.”
National Recognition
Muthoni’s impact has drawn recognition at the highest levels of government. On December 15, 2025, President William Ruto appointed her as an ambassador for Kenya’s ambitious 15-billion-tree planting campaign, citing her courage, fortitude, and leadership in environmental conservation.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State further announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board would sponsor a holiday experience for Muthoni and her team. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry will support her goal of visiting Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership.
Conclusion
Truphena Muthoni’s Guinness World Record achievement is more than a symbolic act—it is a powerful statement of love for nature and a call to action for environmental stewardship. Her resilience and advocacy continue to inspire Kenyans and the global community to embrace conservation as a shared responsibility.
