Activist, 22 makes history hugging tree for 72 hours

Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni hugs an indigenous tree in Nyeri. [Truphena Muthoni/Facebook]

Visibly tired, relieved, and overcome with emotion, environmental activist Truphena Muthoni finally completed a physically demanding challenge that has propelled her onto the global stage.

For 72 hours, Muthoni braved cold nights, fluctuating daytime heat, and insect bites as she hugged an indigenous tree in Nyeri. When the clock struck 12:25pm, her mission was complete. Crowds that had gathered to witness the feat erupted in cheers, celebrating not only her endurance, but also the environmental message behind it.