By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 8 December 2025 - A 22-year-old environmental activist from Nyeri County has become the new face of youth-led climate action after launching an audacious attempt to hug a tree for 72 hours, a bid aimed not just at breaking a world record, but at redefining how Kenyans view mental wellness and indigenous conservation.
Truphena Muthoni, from Ihwagi in Mathira Constituency, began her challenge on Monday in an event presided over by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Deputy Governor David Kinaniri.
The county leadership described her as a symbol of a rising generation of young Kenyans using creativity to advance climate justice.
“This is more than a record attempt. It is a powerful statement by a young person who believes in the healing power of nature,” Governor Kahiga said.
“Truphena is challenging all of us to rethink how we treat the environment and how we care for our mental health.”
Muthoni already holds the 48-hour tree-hugging world record, set earlier this year.
Her new target — 72 hours — is designed to spotlight three causes she says are often overlooked: the protection of indigenous trees, inclusion of indigenous communities, and greater support for persons with disabilities.
In a bold twist, she plans to spend three hours blindfolded, a symbolic act to draw attention to the experiences of people with visual impairments.
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“I want this challenge to be more than numbers,” she said before beginning the marathon session.
“Tree-hugging is therapy. As young people battle rising mental health pressures, reconnecting with nature brings calm, clarity and grounding.” Environmentalists say her approach marks a shift in grassroots climate activism, with more young people embracing unconventional campaigns to capture public imagination.
Deputy Governor Kinaniri said Muthoni’s action “demonstrates that climate advocacy does not always require big budgets but just courage, creativity and conviction.”
County leaders, including Chief of Staff Paul Wambugu, several MCAs and County Executives, attended the launch to express support for her advocacy and to encourage more youth-led environmental initiatives.
If successful, Truphena’s feat will not only set a new global record but also cement her place among Kenya’s boldest young climate voices.
