Why Kenyan Girl, 22, Wants to Hug Tree for 72 Hours

Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old environmental activist from Kenya, has launched an ambitious 72-hour tree-hugging marathon to raise awareness about deforestation and the need to protect wildlife. 

The event began on December 8, 2025, and was officially flagged off by Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who has been a strong supporter of Truphena’s environmental initiatives.

This unique protest aims to draw attention to the threats facing forests and the animals that depend on them. 

Truphena, who previously set a Guinness World Record by hugging a tree for 48 hours earlier this year, said she hopes this extended marathon will inspire more people to take action against environmental destruction.

“I want to show that caring for nature is not about words but about action,” Truphena told a local journalist during the first 24 hours of the marathon. 

“This peaceful protest allows everyone to connect with nature and reflect on our responsibility to protect it.”

The young activist explained that she has trained for months to endure the physical and mental challenge of hugging a tree continuously. She has decided to forgo sleep and meals during the protest, focusing entirely on her cause. 

Despite the difficulty, Truphena said the experience is deeply fulfilling and therapeutic, reinforcing her belief in the importance of environmental conservation.

Originally, Truphena had planned to carry out this marathon in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. 

However, complications with the Kenyan Ministry of Environment prevented her from traveling abroad, prompting her to organize the event at home instead.

“This protest may be silent, but it speaks volumes,” Truphena said. 

“It bypasses politics, arguments, and conflicts. Instead, it appeals to humanity, to everyone’s conscience, and that’s exactly what we need to save our planet.”

During the final 24 hours of the marathon, Truphena plans to honor the visually impaired by spending three hours blindfolded. 

She explained that this gesture is meant to highlight the vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities, who are often more affected by climate-related injustices.

Governor Mutahi Kahiga praised Truphena’s dedication and commitment, emphasizing that young people play a crucial role in environmental advocacy. 

“Truphena is showing the world that courage, creativity, and determination can make a difference. Her work inspires all of us to think differently about how we care for our environment,” he said.

Truphena’s activism began years ago, focusing on wildlife protection and forest conservation. Her first record-breaking tree-hugging marathon took place at Michuki Park in Nairobi on February 1, 2025. 

Since then, she has continued to push for greater awareness of environmental issues in Kenya and across the globe.

The 72-hour marathon has attracted local media attention and social media buzz, with many people sharing pictures and updates of Truphena embracing the tree. 

Supporters say her protest is a powerful reminder that even small actions, when done with passion, can influence change.

Truphena hopes her marathon will encourage communities, governments, and individuals to work together to reduce deforestation and protect the planet for future generations.