Pan-Africanist PLO Lumumba has traveled to Nyeri to support 22-year-old Truphena Muthoni as she pushes on with her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in a bid to break the Guinness World Record. His endorsement comes alongside backing from other top Kenyan leaders, including opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua.
PLO Lumumba visited Truphena Muthoni at the Nyeri Governor's office on December 10, 2025, where he encouraged her as she attempts to achieve the tree-hugging world record.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressed his support for Truphena Muthoni's cause, congratulating her on his social media platform for her attempt to break the world record.
"I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guinness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached," Gachagua wrote.
Gachagua revealed that he is proud of Truphena Muthoni, wishing her success as she breaks the world record.
"Your 72-hour challenge is a great reminder that the world needs to take time and take care of our common home. Your futuristic thoughts must prick the mind of the world to reset thoughts on conservation and mental health challenges," Gachagua encouraged.
Truphena Muthoni, in a video posted across her social media platform, revealed that Kenyans across the country had travelled to Nyeri County to support her attempt to break the world record.
"Thank you to everyone from Nyeri County and other places, people have travelled to come and take vigil and share the message," Truphena Muthoni revealed.
Bonfire Adventure CEO Simon Kabu and his daughter Maurine Kabu gifted Truphena Muthoni and her family a fully sponsored 3-day holiday at the coast as a way of celebrating her resilience and passion in environmental conservation.
Truphena's tree-hugging marathon has sparked a social media challenge where content creators across social media platforms have also joined the challenge, sharing videos as they hug trees in support of Truphena Muthoni.
At the 48 hour mark, Muthoni hugged the tree blindfolded for nearly three hours, using the moment to advocate for the protection of people with disabilities from climate injustices.
The young environmental activist aims at advocating against deforestation and the protection of animal rights in her 72-hour tree-hugging silent protest.
