Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old environmentalist, has broken her own world record by hugging an indigenous tree for 72 hours, enduring chilling nights, heavy rain, and gnawing hunger in a powerful display of resilience and commitment to environmental conservation and mental health advocacy.
A crowd, including leaders waiting in Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s offices, erupted in dance, song, ululations, and joyful tears celebrating Muthoni’s achievement.
The celebrated environmentalist, a longtime advocate for indigenous people and guardian of forests, says tree-hugging is her way of embracing and co-existing with nature, which she calls a source of healing.
“People should return to co-existing with nature because it heals. I am here to inspire people to fall in love with nature and conserve the environment. I want to nurture a million caring hearts before we plant a million trees,” she said.
Muthoni is confident her message will resonate globally as she sets new tree-hugging records. The practice is linked to the Japanese tradition of “forest bathing.” Having previously held a 48-hour record, she extended it to an unprecedented 72 hours.
She originally planned the attempt in Brazil but lacked full support. Undeterred, she brought it home to Nyeri County, which facilitated the effort.
“I was supposed to do it in Brazil, but it didn’t work out with the Ministry of Environment, so I returned home, and Nyeri County stepped in to help. “Even if we didn’t go to Brazil, our message will still reach the world.”
As an advocate for indigenous communities and the therapeutic power of forests, she says, the hug was not just about breaking a record but highlighting nature’s role in mental health and societal well-being.
“Hugging the tree is therapeutic. We face global mental health crises directly linked to environmental degradation. Disasters like floods and droughts cause trauma. We must help people fall in love with nature again,” she explained.
Tree-hugging, rooted in the Japanese practice of forest bathing studied since the 1980s, offers proven benefits.
Research, including from Indonesia’s IPB University, shows prolonged contact with trees reduces inflammation, improves sleep, lowers stress and anxiety, decreases blood pressure, boosts mood and immunity, enhances creativity, and fosters deeper connection with nature.
Touching, smelling, and observing trees acts as active meditation, promoting presence and calm through natural compounds like phytoncides that lower cortisol and enhance well-being.
Muthoni’s quiet determination has inspired many, putting Kenya on the global map in a uniquely powerful way. She has received widespread support from friends, fitness enthusiasts, and curious Kenyans since news of her tree hug spread.
She insists the record is not about fame but about showing that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through discipline, consistency, and love for nature. Through this feat, Muthoni delivers a profound message: caring for the environment and nurturing mental health are deeply interconnected—and both demand dedication, awareness, and leading by example.
