Truphena Muthoni: I lost count of the number of trees I have hugged
By Joel Masibo, December 15, 2025At just 22, Truphena Muthoni has transformed the national conversation on environmental conservation, mental health and youth-led activism by hugging trees.
Speaking in a local TV interview on Sunday, December 14, 2025, shortly after pushing her limits even with a 72-hour attempt, the environmentalist revealed that she has lost count of the number of trees she has hugged.
48-hour marathon
Muthoni first captured public attention after completing a 48-hour continuous tree-hugging marathon in February 2025, an effort that has since been officially ratified by Guinness World Records.
Her 48-hour hug, staged at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park, drew both local and international attention, eventually earning Guinness World Records recognition. Buoyed by the response, Muthoni travelled to Nyeri County to attempt a longer 72-hour marathon, an event closely followed by the media and environmental advocates.
”I have grown up being an environmentalist since I was 5 years old. I lost count of the number of trees I have hugged, but this year I have seriously hugged two. The 48-hour hug was already ratified and published; this one will take 5 days to ratify,” she said.
Behind the calm image of a young woman embracing a tree for days lies meticulous preparation. Muthoni has spoken openly about the physical and mental discipline required for such endurance feats. Her training involved long walks, simulation sessions and repeated practice hugs, including exposure to rain and cold conditions.
”My family is supportive, they are proud. Mostly it is a mental exercise; I do physical exercises. I walk for 42km nonstop. I do many tree hugs. Before I did these 72 hours, I had done 35 hours during Mazingira Day, and I did 60 hours later on during a scouts’ camp. I do fasting. During the hugging, I was not taking water, but during the practice, I was taking a lot of water to prepare for those 3 days. I never had the urge to go to the bathroom, I control it with my mind,” she said.
Why hug a tree?
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.
The symbolism is deliberately simple and inclusive. Anyone can hug a tree; anyone can participate. Beyond the visual impact, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the destruction of Kenya’s critical water towers, encourage tree planting, and promote the idea that environmental stewardship is closely tied to community wellbeing.