NYERI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his support behind 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, who is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record by hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours.
In a message shared on Wednesday, Gachagua applauded Muthoni’s persistence and praised her for using the challenge to promote environmental conservation and mental health awareness.
“Push on, my daughter,” he wrote. “I encourage you in your conservation resolve to break the record and raise awareness on environmental conservation and mental health challenges. I am truly proud of you and I am with you every step of the way.”
Truphena Muthoni, push on my daughter.I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guiness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached.
Nyeri Youth Takes on Global Record Challenge
Muthoni’s record attempt was flagged off on Sunday in Nyeri town by Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Deputy Governor David Kinaniri, accompanied by environmentalists, volunteers and county officials.
The 72-hour challenge is being conducted under strict Guinness World Record rules, with medical personnel, timekeepers and official observers monitoring her around the clock.
She must maintain continuous physical contact with the tree, with only short breaks allowed.
In a symbolic gesture, Muthoni plans to spend three hours blindfolded during the marathon to show solidarity with visually impaired persons and promote disability inclusion.
Expanding a Previous Record Attempt
The young activist gained national and international attention earlier this year after completing a 48-hour tree-hugging marathon at Nairobi’s John Michuki Memorial Park — an act she described as “a silent protest for nature.”
Her new target extends that attempt by 24 hours.
“Nature is healing,” she said before beginning the challenge. “Through this, I want to remind people that protecting the planet is also a way of caring for our own mental well-being.”
County and National Support
Governor Kahiga lauded Muthoni’s resilience, saying she had become “a symbol of dedication to environmental protection.”
Environmental groups and NGOs have also praised the initiative as a creative, peaceful approach to climate advocacy.
The Kenya Forest Service backed the effort, noting that it helps highlight Kenya’s forest restoration goals and the urgency of protecting green spaces.
By Monday evening, Muthoni had surpassed the 48-hour mark and remained on track to complete the 72-hour target.
The attempt is expected to end on Wednesday, after which documentation will be submitted to Guinness World Records for evaluation.
If successful, she will become the first Kenyan to officially hold a Guinness World Record for tree-hugging.
