Guinness confirms Muthoni’s 48-hour tree hug, she awaits 72-hour ruling

Environmentalist Truphena Muthoni officially received a Guinness World Records badge for her 48-hour tree-hugging marathon, completed in Nairobi between January 31 and February 2, 2025.

The achievement formally recognises her as a verified record holder for maintaining continuous physical contact with a single tree for 48 hours.

“New Year comes with official Record Breaker Badge!!!” she wrote, expressing pride in the accomplishment.

According to Guinness World Records, the record was achieved on February 2, 2025. The official certification states: “Longest marathon hugging a tree is 48:00:00 hours, achieved in Nairobi, Kenya on February 2, 2025.” The badge bears the organisation’s official seal and identifies Muthoni as a verified record holder.

Guinness World Records confirmed the feat on December 12, 2025, following a rigorous verification process that included video evidence, witness logs and timing records. The badge, stamped with the organisation’s official seal, cements her achievement in the global record books.

The certification came just a day after Truphena pushed her limits further by completing a 72-hour tree-hugging session on December 8, 2025.

This second challenge aimed to raise awareness about forest conservation, climate action, mental health, and the growing threat of deforestation. She is now awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records for this attempt.

Truphena’s achievement has attracted widespread admiration both locally and internationally, highlighting a rare combination of physical endurance and environmental advocacy.

Muthoni’s feat underscores her exceptional stamina and unwavering commitment to environmental protection.

The 48-hour record required uninterrupted physical contact with a single tree for the entire duration, with any break resulting in disqualification.

By completing the 48-hour marathon and attempting the 72-hour challenge, Truphena has emerged as a prominent voice in environmental activism, inspiring others to reconnect with nature and take action against deforestation and environmental degradation.

Following her moves, President William Ruto appointed Truphena to be an ambassador of the 15 billion tree planting campaign.

This, he said, was in recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership.

“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal,” said President Ruto.

Ruto also announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.

“In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support the realization of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership,” said Ruto in a statement to newsrooms.

He said he had the pleasure of engaging with her in his office following her remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree, a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.