Young Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni has set a Guinness World Record (GWR), for the second time, after embracing a tree for 72 hours. She hugged the tree for three days, Dec. 8-11, 2025, to raise awareness about climate change and protest the destruction of Indigenous forests. In doing so, she caught the attention of the country and inspired others to embrace trees for their own causes. Muthoni told GWR that she took on the challenge to “elevate and advocate for the protection of indigenous trees and to honor the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, whose knowledge systems remain central to global climate solutions.” Muthoni’s 72-hour feat surpassed the previous record, also held by her, of 48 hours, set in February 2025. For the duration of the challenge, Muthoni didn’t eat, sleep or let go of the tree’s trunk. She did have medical care available and was surrounded by supporters. For Muthoni, these were more than just records. She said in a video that she aimed to respond to the cries of Indigenous people and make people to fall in love with nature. “We are cutting down indigenous forests, indigenous trees, replacing them with saplings and calling that mitigation. … I’m encouraging people to first protect what we have.” Days before GWR announced her achievement on Jan. 26, Muthoni was named to the top 20 most impactful women in Kenya list by Timely Kenya. She was recognized along with female leaders in governance, health, politics and the environment. Following Muthoni’s achievements activists…This article was originally published on Mongabay

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