President William Ruto has hosted 22-year-old climate activist Truphena Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, following her remarkable achievement of breaking the 72-hour tree-hugging world record.
Also present at the meeting was Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
During the occasion, Ruto appointed Muthoni as an ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship national initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and securing Kenya’s environmental future.
Ruto also conferred upon Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.
Muthoni used the moment to plant a tree within the State House compound.
Muthoni’s latest achievement builds on her earlier 48-hour tree-hugging record, which she has now extended to an unprecedented 72 hours.
Her feat involved continuously embracing an indigenous tree, a symbolic act aimed at raising awareness about climate change, environmental degradation and mental health.
Ruto described Muthoni as “an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.”
He noted that her action was not only physically demanding but also deeply symbolic, resonating with both national and global audiences concerned about the climate crisis.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) extended a fully sponsored holiday experience to Muthoni and her team, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of the endurance challenge.
