Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging record finally confirmed

By Newsflash Writer

The Guinness World Records (GWR) has formally acknowledged Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hug as the longest duration anyone has spent embracing a tree anywhere in the world.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, GWR said Truphena undertook the challenge to “raise awareness and champion the protection of indigenous trees while celebrating the knowledge of Indigenous communities.”

Her latest 72-hour milestone eclipses her earlier 48-hour record achieved in May 2025, extending a record she already held. Speaking to GWR, she reflected on the journey behind both attempts. “The first attempt was a statement, a way to reintroduce humanity to the Earth through a simple, intimate act,” she said.

Record rooted in climate action

She explained that the second effort carried a deeper meaning. “The second attempt was a commitment. I realized that the world needed more than symbolism; it needed endurance, consistency, and proof that care for the planet is not momentary. Doing it twice was my way of saying that climate action is not a one-off event, but a sustained responsibility.”

Truphena, an ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign, shared that experience from her first attempt played a key role in helping her endure longer the second time around.

During her initial challenge, she prepared by dry fasting and drastically reducing her water intake to train her body to cope with long periods without hydration. She later admitted that this method was misguided, as it placed excessive strain on her kidneys and increased the likelihood of serious health complications.

She also confessed to pushing herself too hard physically before the first attempt, engaging in strenuous workouts driven more by anxiety than a structured plan.

Learning from early mistakes

“For my second attempt, I approached preparation very differently. I significantly increased my water intake in the weeks leading up to the challenge to properly condition my body and protect my organs, and I prepared in a calm, relaxed, and confident way,” she said.

According to Truphena, the change in approach had a major impact. “This made a remarkable difference, I was not physically tired at all during the attempt. The main challenge I experienced was sleepiness, largely because I missed proper sleep the day before the record began. Overall, the experience taught me that endurance is not about deprivation or intensity, but about preparation, balance, and respecting the body’s limits.”

The confirmation of her record comes weeks after speculation online suggested that her 72-hour tree-hug had been declined. Truphena had dismissed the claims at the time, clarifying that discussions with GWR were still ongoing as part of the verification process.

Recognition at home and abroad

Her achievement has drawn attention both in Kenya and internationally, culminating in a rare invitation to State House on Monday, December 15, where the President personally commended her accomplishment.

President William Ruto also announced that Truphena would serve as an ambassador for the national 15 billion tree-planting drive, a flagship environmental initiative focused on restoring forest cover and protecting Kenya’s ecological future.

In addition, Ruto revealed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would reward Truphena and her team with a fully sponsored holiday, underscoring the connection between conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.

With the official ratification of her 72-hour tree-hug, Truphena joins the ranks of Kenyan Guinness World Record holders. Before her 48- and 72-hour achievements, most Kenyans recognized by GWR were elite athletes such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, Kelvin Kiptum, Beatrice Chebet, Ian Wambui, and Agnes Ngetich.

Beyond athletics, she now stands alongside Maliha Mohammed, a chef based in Mombasa, who earned a Guinness World Record in August 2023 for the longest individual home-kitchen cooking marathon after cooking continuously for 90 hours and 15 minutes.