Kenyan environmentalist sets new world record with 72-hour tree hug to protest forest destruction

Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has captured global attention by breaking her own Guinness World Record for tree hugging, embracing a single tree for an extraordinary 72 hours from December 8-11, 2025. This remarkable feat surpassed her previous record of 48 hours, set earlier in February 2025, making her a two-time world record holder in this unique form of environmental activism.

Muthoni’s three-day vigil was far more than a publicity stunt—it was a powerful protest against the destruction of Kenya’s indigenous forests and a call for urgent climate action. During the entire 72 hours, she never let go of the tree trunk, forgoing food and sleep while surrounded by medical support and cheering supporters. “We are cutting down indigenous forests, indigenous trees, replacing them with saplings and calling that mitigation,” Muthoni explained, emphasizing the need to “first protect what we have.”

Her mission resonated deeply with environmental advocates and ordinary citizens alike, inspiring others across Kenya to embrace trees for their own causes. Muthoni specifically aimed to “elevate and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honor the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, whose knowledge systems remain central to global climate solutions.” The timing proved fortuitous—just days before Guinness World Records announced her achievement on January 26, Timely Kenya recognized Muthoni among the top 20 most impactful women in the country, placing her alongside leaders in governance, health, and politics. Her unconventional approach has sparked a growing movement that combines environmental activism with symbolic action, demonstrating how individual dedication can inspire collective change.