From 72-Hour Hug To State House Honor: Ruto Rewards Environmentalist Truphena Muthoni
President William Ruto has conferred national honors and a key ambassadorial role upon dedicated environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, following her remarkable 72-hour tree-hugging marathon aimed at raising awareness for climate action.
Truphena, who gained national attention after her grueling feat in Nyeri, was received by the President at State House on Monday, December 15, 2025, where she was publicly recognized for her dedication.
The Ambassadorial Appointment
The central reward announced by the Head of State is Truphena’s appointment as an Ambassador for the government’s flagship 15 billion tree planting campaign. This massive initiative is designed to restore forest cover and secure Kenya’s long-term environmental future. The role will see Truphena utilize her public profile to drive engagement and participation in the ambitious national afforestation efforts.
National Honors and Travel Facilitation
In addition to the ambassadorial role, President Ruto announced a string of rewards acknowledging the impact of her environmental efforts:
Head of State Commendation (HSC)
Truphena was conferred with the prestigious HSC medal, a mark of national honor recognizing her outstanding service and contribution to environmental awareness.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have jointly extended a fully sponsored holiday experience for Muthoni and her team, recognizing the link between conservation and sustainable tourism.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will facilitate Truphena’s long-held dream of visiting Brazil. Just a day earlier, she had revealed in a TV interview that her initial plan to conduct the marathon in Brazil was thwarted by a lack of stakeholder support, including from the Ministry itself. This visit is intended to expose her to global conservation initiatives.
The Record Feat and Official Status
On Thursday, December 11, Truphena completed an incredible 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri. During the three-day endurance test, she did not eat, sit, or use a restroom, dedicating the performance solely to advocating for environmental issues.
However, despite the widely celebrated feat, the official status remains pending:
The 72-hour attempt is yet to be officially ratified by the Guinness World Records.
For now, her official record stands at the 48 hours she previously achieved in May, pending proper evidence to prove continuous engagement for the full 72-hour duration.
In a statement, President Ruto hailed her as an inspiration: “Truphena Muthoni is an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.”
