Truphena Muthoni has smashed her own tree-hugging world record in Nyeri, central Kenya, completing a 72-hour embrace outside the county governor’s office and surpassing the 48-hour mark she had previously set.
The scout and youth leader says the feat is designed to draw attention to the loss of indigenous forests and its link to climate-related disasters and rising mental health struggles among young people.
Under the rules of the record attempt, she was not allowed food, water, or sleep, stepping away only for brief health checks as crowds, local leaders, and supporters monitored her final push.
Tree hugging is increasingly recognised by scientists and therapists as more than a stunt, with exposure to trees linked to lower stress, improved mood and better sleep. Health practitioners cite reduced blood pressure and calmer heart rates among people who spend time in forests or physically connect with trees.
The act has a political history too. From early forest protection movements in Asia to recent climate protests, hugging a tree has become a simple, visual way to oppose deforestation and signal that forests are central to water security, livelihoods and resilience to climate change.
