Kenyan environmental enthusiast Truphena Muthoni has been admitted to hospital after successfully surpassing her self-set goal of hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours, a feat aimed at raising awareness on climate change and forest conservation.
Muthoni, a well-known eco-activist from Nyeri County, began the challenge on Monday morning, embracing an old muiri tree at the foot of Mt. Kenya. Surrounded by a small group of supporters, she vowed not to let go until she completed the symbolic gesture of solidarity with the environment. According to witnesses, she pushed herself past exhaustion, completing the full 72 hours before collapsing from extreme fatigue and dehydration.
“She was determined. Even when she was visibly weak, she insisted she was fine,” said Kelvin Waweru, a fellow conservationist who was part of the monitoring team. “When the timer finally hit 72 hours, everyone cheered – then she slowly slid down and we had to rush her to hospital.”
Doctors at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital confirmed she was admitted for observation, citing severe exhaustion, low blood sugar, and mild dehydration. A medical officer who attended to her said she was stable. “She will be alright, but her body was pushed far beyond its limits,” he noted.
Despite the health scare, Muthoni’s record-breaking attempt has sparked wide conversation online, with many praising her passion while others questioned the safety of extreme environmental demonstrations. Her family released a brief statement expressing relief that she is recovering well and thanking Kenyans for their support.
Before the attempt, Muthoni(22) had said the 72-hour tree hug was “a message to the world that nature needs to be embraced – literally and figuratively.” Her supporters say she plans to continue advocating for reforestation once she is discharged.
Hospital officials say she is expected to remain under observation for at least 24 hours. #TruphenaMuthoni #TreeHugging #BreakRecord