The government has been urged to formally recognise and honour environmental activist Truphena Muthoni for her courage, resilience, sacrifices and unwavering dedication to raising climate awareness.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led the calls, criticising the government for failing to issue an official commendation to the 22-year-old activist after she set a new 72-hour tree-hugging world record.
"As we celebrate Kenya's independence day(Jamhuri Day) tomorrow, which came about after sacrifice and a freedom fight against colonialism by our founding fathers, Muthoni joins the list of our heroes and heroines," he stated.
"I appeal to the Government of Kenya to award her with the highest civilian honours of the Head of State Commendation," he continued.
The senator praised Muthoni's environmental activism as a powerful demonstration of patriotism and service to the nation, saying such acts deserve both local and international recognition.
Muthoni made headlines after setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest time spent hugging a tree. She hugged a tree for 72 hours, accompanied by dry fasting, as part of a silent protest against deforestation.
She began the challenge on December 8 and achieved it without eating or sleeping for three consecutive days.
Silent Protest
Muthoni was attempting to break her own previous Guinness World Record of hugging a tree for 48 hours, choosing the silent protest as a stand against deforestation and a neutral way to connect with people's consciences.
She received recognition nationwide for her attempt, drawing the attention of national and local leaders, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who flagged off the tree-hugging challenge. The tree-hugging event took place outside the Governor's office.
Locals gathered at the Governor's office to support and cheer Muthoni as she broke the record. Kenyans also sent their heartfelt congratulatory messages since she started the challenge.
Several leaders sent their congratulatory messages, praising Muthoni's dedication to conservation and her commitment to raising awareness about climate change, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
"I applaud you for the courage, the strength, but most of all, the audacity; the audacity to silence the noise, to follow the drumbeat of your heart, the audacity to speak for the environment without even saying a word. I truly admire it," said Passaris.
