Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ababu Namwamba, has publicly congratulated Truphena Muthoni for setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest time spent hugging a tree.
Muthoni, a 21-year-old Kenyan, achieved this remarkable feat on February 1, 2025, at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi, hugging a tree for 24 hours and 22 minutes, surpassing the previous record by just one minute.
Namwamba praised Muthoni’s achievement for highlighting the potential of youth in climate action, sustainability, and mental health awareness through nature.
He noted that her record has drawn global attention to these critical issues, emphasizing her spirit akin to that of the late Wangari Maathai, a renowned Kenyan environmentalist.
Muthoni herself shared that her motivation stemmed from finding peace and solace in nature, which she hopes will encourage others to embrace tree hugging for mental health benefits.
Congratulations Muthoni for your incredible tree hugging WORLD RECORD achievement this evening at Michuki Park in Nairobi. Your historic feet has drawn global attention to the phenomenal power of the youth to be consequential champions for climate action, sustainability and… pic.twitter.com/HUm76zRuXV
— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) February 1, 2025