Truphena Muthoni Biography: Age, Tribe, Origin, Guinness Record, Career, Net Worth, Family
Truphena Muthoni is a 22-year-old Kenyan environmental activist and mental health advocate who gained global attention in late 2025 for her unique method of conservation campaigning: endurance tree hugging. She is best known for completing a gruelling 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County in December 2025, a feat she undertook to break the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent continuously hugging a tree. This achievement surpassed her own previous record of 48 hours, which she had set earlier in the year at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi.
Her activism is driven by a philosophy that connects environmental stewardship with mental well-being. Muthoni argues that conservation should begin with “love” and a deep emotional connection to nature, rather than just the mechanical act of planting saplings. She uses her marathon challenges to highlight the importance of protecting indigenous trees and to raise awareness about the therapeutic benefits of nature for mental health. During her 72-hour challenge, she braved heavy rains, cold nights, and physical exhaustion without sleep, maintaining contact with the tree to symbolize resilience and the urgent need to protect Kenya’s “water towers” and forests.
Following her successful completion of the 72-hour challenge in December 2025, Muthoni received significant national recognition. President William Ruto appointed her as an ambassador for Kenya’s “15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign,” a flagship government initiative aimed at restoring the country’s forest cover. In recognition of her discipline and dedication, she was also awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) and praised for embodying the nation’s spirit. Her efforts have turned her into a notable figure in the global climate movement, inspiring youth to engage in environmental protection through creative and symbolic action.
Born and raised in the Mathira constituency of Nyeri County, Muthoni has a background in scouting and is a student of Music and Culture. Her journey into environmentalism began at a young age, influenced by her time as a Rover Scout. Beyond her record-breaking stunts, she has expressed a long-term commitment to advocating for the inclusion of youth and people with disabilities in climate change decisions. Her work has sparked widespread conversation in Kenya about the intersection of determination, mental health awareness, and ecological responsibility.
Early Life and Family Background
Age and Origin
Truphena Muthoni was born in 2003 in the lush, hilly landscapes of Nyeri County, Kenya. She hails specifically from Ihwagi village in the Mathira Constituency, a region known for its rich agricultural heritage and proximity to Mount Kenya. Growing up in this environment played a pivotal role in shaping her future; the fertile soils and dense forests of her home county instilled in her an early appreciation for the natural world.
Family and Upbringing
Muthoni was raised in a family that, while supportive, initially held traditional views regarding career paths. Reports indicate that her parents were at first skeptical of her artistic and unconventional pursuits. However, a significant influence in her early life was her grandmother. Muthoni often accompanied her grandmother into the nearby forests to collect firewood and traditional herbs. These childhood expeditions were not just chores but formative experiences where she learned the value of indigenous plants and the tranquility of nature. It was in these quiet moments among the trees that her deep emotional bond with the environment was forged.
Education
Primary and Secondary Education
Truphena began her academic journey at Parklands Baptist Primary School, where she laid the foundation for her discipline and leadership skills. She later proceeded to Naromoru Girls’ High School in Nyeri County. It was during her high school years that her passion for environmentalism began to take a structured form. Naromoru Girls’ is known for its vibrant extracurricular activities, and Muthoni took full advantage of this, joining the scouting movement which would become a cornerstone of her character.
Higher Education
As of late 2025, Truphena Muthoni is described as a student of Music and Culture. While the specific university has not been widely publicized in media reports, her field of study reflects her broader interest in the arts and humanities. She effectively combines her academic background in culture with her activism, using creative expression to communicate complex environmental messages to a diverse audience.
Scouting and Early Activism
Before she was a world record holder, Truphena Muthoni was—and remains—a dedicated scout. Her journey in the Kenya Scouts Association provided her with the resilience and survival skills necessary for her endurance challenges.
Scouting Career
Muthoni holds the rank of Rover Scout, the highest section of the scout movement intended for young adults. She has also served as the Assistant Commander of the Wings over Wilson Air Scout Open Troop. Through scouting, she learned the importance of service, discipline, and perseverance. She frequently credits the rigorous training in scouting camps for her mental and physical fortitude. It was here that she developed the “never say die” attitude that would later power her through days of sleeplessness and physical discomfort during her record attempts.
The Record-Breaking Tree Hugs
Truphena Muthoni’s rise to fame is defined by her “Tree Hugging” marathons—a symbolic protest and endurance feat designed to show that humans and nature are one.
The First Record: 48 Hours in Nairobi
Muthoni first made headlines in early 2025 when she attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest time hugging a tree. In February 2025, she stationed herself at the Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi. For 48 continuous hours, she embraced a tree, battling fatigue and the elements. This initial success was ratified, making her the official record holder and setting the stage for an even greater challenge.
The 72-Hour Marathon in Nyeri
Not content with 48 hours, Muthoni sought to push the limits further. In December 2025, she launched a new attempt dubbed the “72-Hour Tree-Hugging Challenge.” This event took place outside the Nyeri Governor’s office, bringing her campaign back to her home county.
-
The Feat: The challenge began on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 12:25 PM.
-
The Conditions: For three days and three nights, Muthoni stood embracing a towering indigenous tree. She endured heavy downpours, biting cold nights, and the scorching daytime sun.
-
The Rules: Guinness guidelines required her to maintain continuous physical contact with the tree. She was allowed only brief “micro-breaks” for restroom use, during which she often kept one arm touching the tree to ensure the validity of the record.
-
The Result: She successfully completed the 72-hour mark on Thursday, December 11, 2025, shattering her own previous record. The event was streamed live to hundreds of thousands of viewers, turning a local event into a global spectacle.
Career and Appointments
Following her historic achievement, Truphena Muthoni’s career as an environmentalist skyrocketed.
Ambassador for the 15 Billion Tree Campaign
In recognition of her influence, President William Ruto appointed Muthoni as an Ambassador for the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign. This national initiative aims to restore Kenya’s forest cover by planting 15 billion trees by 2032. As an ambassador, Muthoni is tasked with mobilizing youth, advocating for indigenous tree protection, and leading public awareness campaigns.
Head of State Commendation (HSC)
In a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto awarded Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC). This prestigious award is reserved for Kenyans who have rendered outstanding service to the nation. The President praised her for embodying the “best of the Kenyan spirit” and for using her talent and resilience to champion a noble cause.
Philosophy and Advocacy
Muthoni’s activism is distinct because it moves beyond scientific data to address the emotional and psychological aspects of climate change.
-
Love for Nature: Her slogan, “Conservation begins with love,” suggests that people will only protect what they love. She advocates for a deep, spiritual reconnection with the earth.
-
Mental Health Awareness: As a mental health survivor herself, Muthoni links environmental degradation to mental wellness. She argues that a healthy environment is essential for a healthy mind and that nature offers therapeutic healing for trauma and stress.
-
Indigenous Trees: A key part of her message is the specific protection of indigenous trees, which are often overlooked in favor of fast-growing exotic species. She views indigenous forests as the true “water towers” and life support systems of Kenya.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Truphena Muthoni’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her brand value has increased significantly following her world record.
-
Cash Rewards: Following her 72-hour challenge, betting firm OdiBets pledged KSh 1 million to celebrate her resilience.
-
Sponsorships & Gifts: She received numerous gifts from corporate sponsors, including a premium skincare package and perfume collection from Fechi Beauty to help her recover from the outdoor exposure.
-
Government Support: The Ministry of Environment and Kenya Tourism Board extended a fully sponsored holiday experience to her and her team to recuperate. Additionally, the government pledged to support her dream of visiting Brazil to further her environmental education.
Personal Life
Truphena Muthoni keeps her personal life relatively private, focusing primarily on her advocacy work. She is currently single. However, her fame has attracted public admirers. Notably, Kenyan actor Khaleed Abdul publicly declared his love for her after her record-breaking feat, describing her as “wife material” due to her determination and strength. Muthoni has not publicly entertained these advances, remaining laser-focused on her mission to save the planet.
She enjoys a strong support system from her family, who have transitioned from skeptics to her biggest cheerleaders, often present at the finish lines of her marathons.
Conclusion
Truphena Muthoni is more than just a record-breaker; she is a symbol of the power of one individual to spark a movement. By standing still for 72 hours, she moved a nation, forcing a conversation about the urgency of climate action and the importance of mental health. Her journey from a young scout in Nyeri to a presidential ambassador serves as an inspiration to millions of young people, proving that passion, when coupled with resilience, can indeed change the world. As she continues her work, Kenya and the world watch with anticipation to see what this unstoppable “Tree Hugger” will achieve next.
FAQs
What is Truphena Muthoni famous for?
Truphena Muthoni is famous for setting the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon hugging a tree, lasting 72 hours continuously in December 2025.
How old is Truphena Muthoni?
She is 22 years old as of 2025. She was born in the year 2003.
Where is Truphena Muthoni from?
She is from Ihwagi village, Mathira Constituency in Nyeri County, Kenya.
What is the “15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign”?
It is a Kenyan government initiative aimed at planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat climate change. Truphena was appointed as an ambassador for this campaign.
Did Truphena Muthoni break a previous record?
Yes, she broke her own previous record of 48 hours, which she had set in February 2025 at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi.
Is Truphena Muthoni married?
No, Truphena Muthoni is currently single. She has stated she is focused on her environmental activism.
What awards has Truphena Muthoni received?
She was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) by President William Ruto for her service to environmental stewardship.
What does Truphena Muthoni study?
She is a student of Music and Culture, although the specific university has not been widely publicized.
How did Truphena manage to hug a tree for 72 hours?
She relied on her scouting training for mental and physical endurance. She stood continuously, taking only seconds-long “micro-breaks” for essential needs while maintaining contact with the tree.
What is Truphena Muthoni’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is unknown, but she has received cash rewards such as KSh 1 million from OdiBets and various corporate sponsorships and gifts.
