President William Ruto appointed 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as an ambassador for Kenya’s national campaign to plant 15 billion trees, recognizing her recent endurance feat of hugging a tree for 72 hours to raise awareness about conservation and climate change.
Ruto hosted Muthoni at State House in Nairobi on Monday, where he also awarded her the Head of State Commendation medal for her contributions to environmental stewardship.
Endurance challenge draws national attention
Muthoni completed the 72-hour tree-hugging marathon on Dec. 11 in Nyeri County, standing outside the governor’s office and braving heavy rain, cold nights and exhaustion while maintaining constant contact with an indigenous tree.
The act was intended to highlight deforestation, climate impacts and the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. Her effort built on a previous 48-hour hug earlier this year, which Guinness World Records officially recognized last week as the longest marathon hugging a tree.
The 72-hour attempt awaits verification by Guinness, with the organization stating it is reviewing submitted evidence.
Muthoni had originally hoped to stage the longer challenge in Brazil but proceeded in Kenya after facing logistical hurdles.
During the State House meeting, attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Ruto praised Muthoni’s “courage, resilience and leadership,” calling her an exemplar of Kenyan youth.
He named her ambassador for the 15 billion tree-planting initiative, a key government program aimed at restoring degraded lands and boosting forest cover amid growing climate pressures.
In a lighthearted moment captured on video, Muthoni asked Ruto how long he could hug a tree. The president laughed and replied he would leave that to her, adding that his role was to support her efforts.
As further recognition, the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Tourism Board offered Muthoni and her team a sponsored domestic holiday. The Environment Ministry also pledged to fund her long-desired trip to Brazil for exposure to international conservation work.
Muthoni’s story has inspired widespread support in Kenya, blending symbolic activism with calls for tangible environmental action as the country pushes its ambitious reforestation goals.
