Passaris hails Ruto’s recognition of environmentalist Truphena Muthoni
By Faith Lagat, December 17, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has lauded President William Ruto for recognising 22-year-old climate activist Truphena Muthoni, describing the move as a strong endorsement of youth-led environmental action in Kenya.
In a post on X dated December 17, 2025, Passaris thanked the president for honouring Muthoni following her record-breaking 72-hour tree-hugging marathon.
“Thank you, H.E. Mr President, for recognising Truphena Muthoni’s record-breaking 72-hour tree hug through the following honours: Appointment as Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign; A fully sponsored holiday for her and her team facilitated by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board,” she wrote.
“Support for her dream visit to Brazil to deepen her exposure to global conservation initiatives, and the conferment of the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for exemplary environmental stewardship. This recognition is a powerful affirmation of citizen-led climate action and a win for Kenya Youth.”
State house recognition
Passaris’s remarks came two days after Ruto hosted Muthoni at State House on December 15, 2025, where he personally announced the honours.
The president praised Muthoni’s endurance, noting that her decision to hug an indigenous tree continuously for 72 hours was “a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.”
Ruto described Muthoni as “an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.” He subsequently appointed her Ambassador of the national 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship initiative aimed at restoring Kenya’s forest cover and addressing climate change impacts.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry also committed to supporting Muthoni’s long-held dream of visiting Brazil to engage with global conservation initiatives, particularly anti-deforestation efforts in the Amazon region.
From frustration to breakthrough
Muthoni’s 72-hour challenge was staged between December 8 and December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri County Governor’s compound after her initial plan to conduct it in Brazil collapsed due to lack of institutional support.
In a television interview on December 14, 2025, she expressed disappointment, saying: “When I was trying to achieve what I have already achieved, I did not get any support… This record I did in Kenya was supposed to happen in Brazil.”
Despite facing harsh weather, sleep deprivation and limited sustenance, Muthoni completed the challenge, building on her earlier Guinness World Record of 48 hours set earlier in 2025.