Water CS Mugaa urges youth to emulate Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree hug
By Faith Lagat, December 11, 2025As 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni entered the final hours of her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eric Mugaa rallied behind her.
Mugaa has Kenyan youth to draw inspiration from her extraordinary resolve.
“Fight on, Truphena Muthoni, and believe in the beauty of your dreams. The call to conserve our environment is noble. You are an inspiration to our fellow young people; your resilience will echo for generations,” Mugaa posted.
Mugaa offered words of encouragement to Truphena Muthoni as she approached a significant milestone. He urged her to take courage and reminded her that the record target was within reach, advising her to hold on just a little longer.
“Take courage and remember the record target is nigh; just hold on a little longer. I wish you all the best as you power through the final hours.”
Muthoni’s record-breaking attempt
Muthoni, who is attempting to surpass her own 48-hour Guinness World Record for the longest tree-hugging marathon, began the challenge on Sunday, December 8, 2025, at the Karima Forest in Nyeri.
Blindfolded throughout to honour persons living with disabilities, she remained wrapped around a giant mugumo tree, enduring physical pain, fatigue, and cold nights while under tight security following reported threats. The feat highlights the potential of youth-led initiatives to spark nationwide attention on environmental conservation and personal resilience.
Support
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also praised Muthoni in a heartfelt Facebook post on December 10, describing her effort as a wake-up call on environmental and mental health awareness.
“Truphena Muthoni, push on, my daughter,” Gachagua wrote. He continued: “I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guinness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and the mental health challenges attached.”
Gachagua added, “Your 72-hour challenge is a great reminder that the world needs to take time and take care of our common home. Your futuristic thoughts must prick the mind of the world to reset thoughts on conservation and mental health challenges.”
Closing his message, he stated, “As a father and a leader, I am truly proud of you and wish you success. I am with you every step of the way.”
The marathon has attracted widespread support nationwide, with well-wishers contributing prizes worth Ksh 1 million. The event is live-streamed, drawing thousands of viewers and turning Muthoni into a national symbol of youth-led climate action.