May 28, 2026
"I Strongly Encourage You!" - Gachagua Cheers On Tree-Hugging Climate Activist

“I Strongly Encourage You!” – Gachagua Cheers On Tree-Hugging Climate Activist

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua congratulated climate activist Truphena Muthoni, 22, on her bold quest to create a new Guinness World Record by hugging a tree for 72 hours in a row.

Muthoni hopes that the event will highlight the importance of climate action while surpassing her own previous achievement.

Muthoni presently holds the 48-hour tree-hugging world record, which she set in February at Nairobi’s Michuki Memorial Park.

“Truphena Muthoni, push on, my daughter,” Gachagua said on Wednesday.

“I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guinness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached.”

Gachagua expressed delight in his role as a father and leader, wishing Muthoni prosperity.

He noted that her 72-hour challenge serves as a “great reminder that the world needs to take time and care for our common home.”

The 22-year-old environmentalist, known for her enthusiasm for reforestation and youth-led ecological campaigning, is taking on the three-day endurance challenge outside Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutahi’s office in Nyeri town.

This time, she plans to push her physical and emotional limits even further. Her restrictions are strict: no food, water, or breaks.

She must keep constant touch with the tree, but she may change positions and wander around it as long as the embrace stays unbroken.

To bolster her spirits, a group of other environmental activists has put up a revolving playlist of background music.

This offers a varied blend of genres designed to keep her energy up, the mood balanced, and the ambience alive as the hours pass.

By Tuesday afternoon, Muthoni had completed 24 uninterrupted hours, drawing growing interest from residents, activists and county officials.

Governor Kahiga Mutahi and his deputy, Kinaniri Waroe, joined dozens of onlookers to witness her progress.

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“Wow, that’s impressive,” Governor Kahiga remarked after observing her unwavering focus and stamina.

The governor presided over the start of the countdown on Monday, expressing pride in her commitment.

Her earlier record, achieved between January 31 and February 1, 2025, earned her significant national applause and international recognition.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP and UNON, Ababu Namwamba, celebrated her February triumph as a landmark moment for youth-led climate advocacy.

“I Strongly Encourage You!” – Gachagua Cheers On Tree-Hugging Climate Activist

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