President William Ruto has pledged to support environmentalist Truphena Muthoni in realising her dream of sensitising the world against deforestation.

Ruto confirmed the assurance on Monday, December 15, 2025, after expressing pleasure in engaging with Muthoni in his office following her remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree.

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the 22-year-old Muthoni expressed her frustration with the Ministry of Environment for failing to support her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Brazil, forcing the mission to be accomplished at the compound of Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12:25 pm local time.

Ministry’s frustrations

”When I was trying to achieve what I have already achieved, I did not get any support. I had requested support in different ways, but I did not get support from the Ministry of Environment. I requested accreditation support to go to COP 30, but I didn’t get it. This record I did in Kenya was supposed to happen in Brazil,” Muthoni said in a local TV interview.

However, promising to make her Brazilian dream come true, Ruto said it was a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.

”The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support the realisation of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership. 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,” Ruto said on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Further rewards

Further, in recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, President Ruto 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 inspiring efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.” The Head of State said.

For Muthoni, love is the foundation of conservation. She believes people are more likely to protect what they feel emotionally connected to. By hugging trees, she hopes to inspire others to develop that connection and, in turn, take action against deforestation.