Ruto appoints Truphena Muthoni as environmental ambassador, awards her HSC honours after world record tree-hugging feat
In further appreciation of her efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.
President William Ruto has appointed environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as an ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, recognising her extraordinary dedication to environmental conservation.
Ruto, who met Muthoni on Monday at State House, described her as “an exemplary young Kenyan" whose dedication and determination embody the very best of Kenya's spirit.
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“I had the pleasure of engaging with her in my office following her remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree; a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,” Ruto said.
He added that in recognition of her courage, fortitude and leadership, he had appointed her as an ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future.
In further appreciation of her efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience. Ruto said the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will also support her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership.
As a mark of national honour, Ruto conferred upon Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal for her outstanding service to environmental stewardship.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with environmental activist Truphena Muthoni plant a tree seedling at State House on December 15, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
Muthoni set a new tree-hugging record of 72 hours on December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s office, attracting widespread support from Kenyans across the country. Guinness World Records has urged her to submit evidence of her attempt for official recognition after social media campaigns tagged the organisation.
Her previous record, set earlier this year from January 31 to February 2 at Michuki Park in Nairobi, involved hugging a tree for 48 hours. Guinness World Records publicly recognised this achievement on December 12, 2025, and also emailed her privately, confirming, "We are thrilled to inform you that your application for longest marathon hugging a tree has been successful and you are now a successful record holder."
The organisation provided further guidance on obtaining certificates, frames and merchandise exclusively available to record holders.
Truphena explained that she undertook the record challenge “to raise awareness over the profound impact of tree hugging on mental and emotional well-being.”
Guinness World Records noted that she had spent over five months preparing her body for the 48-hour attempt, including 42 km walks and 12-hour test runs hugging a tree, surpassing the previous record by almost 24 hours.
Her marathon began on Monday, December 8, at the Nyeri Governor’s office compound, clasping a towering indigenous tree to raise awareness on deforestation, climate change and mental health. She remained in place for three days without sleeping or leaving the tree, enduring rain, cold nights and scorching daytime heat.
“This peaceful protest is important because it bypasses all differences. During other protests, we hear stories of goons, but this one bypasses all stories and triggers humanity,” Muthoni said.
She added that hugging the tree is therapeutic and reinforces her call for environmental conservation.
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Her challenge included a three-hour blindfolded segment to highlight the experiences of people with visual impairments and link conservation to social justice. Muthoni also used her attire to convey a symbolic message.
"Black means African power, protest and resilience, green is for reforestation, regeneration and hope, red means indigenous resistance and frontline courage, and blue for water protectors and ocean defenders," she said.
Muthoni’s new achievement more than doubles the previous global mark of 24 hours and 21 minutes, cementing her position as a prominent voice in Kenya’s environmental movement.
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