A 21-year-old Kenyan woman has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest time spent hugging a tree. Truphena Muthoni broke the previous record of 24 hours and 21 minutes, held by Ghanaian national Abdul Hakim Awal, at 6:32 p.m. on Saturday, February 1.
She hugged a tree in Michuki Memorial Park, Nairobi, from 6:10 p.m. on Friday, January 31, to 6:32 p.m. on Saturday, achieving a total duration of 24 hours and 22 minutes.
The record-breaking moment was witnessed by Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ababu Namwamba, along with Muthoni’s friends, who counted down the final moments until she officially set the record.
Ababu Namwamba congratulated her for the achievement, saying:
“Congratulations, Muthoni, for your incredible tree-hugging world record achievement this evening at Michuki Park in Nairobi. Your historic feat has drawn global attention to the phenomenal power of the youth to be champions of climate action, sustainability, and using nature for mental health and wellness.
Your Wangari Maathai spirit inspires us all to step forward and make the earth better, safer, and more sustainable for ourselves and future generations. Delighted to witness you write history live. Hongera, shujaa!”
The Inspiration Behind Truphena Muthoni Record
Speaking to the media, Muthoni shared that she began hugging trees because she found solace in nature, which helped her with mental health challenges.
“I want to encourage people to embrace tree hugging because it helps boost mental health and allows us to recharge ourselves. Urban development is destroying natural resources, so I want people to reconnect with nature because it has real healing power.
As a mental health survivor, I found peace and healing in nature,” she said.
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Despite achieving this milestone, Muthoni is already setting her sights on another world record.
“I am here to continue and set a new record of 48 hours. I will complete this attempt by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow,” she declared.
Her Preparation and Training
Muthoni also shared details of her preparation for the marathon tree-hugging challenge.
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Over five months, she trained her body by practising sleep regulation, adjusting her eating habits, and preparing for long hours without using the restroom.
“I have trained myself to stand for long hours, go without food, and even fast for extended periods. Sometimes, I would have just one meal a day. I have also conditioned my body to go without using the toilet for 48 hours. I know it’s all in the mind,” she explained.
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