In a post on X on December 17, 2025, Passaris expressed gratitude to the President for honouring Muthoni following her record-breaking 72-hour tree-hugging marathon.
“Thank you, H.E. Mr President, for recognising Truphena Muthoni’s record-breaking 72-hour tree hug through the following honours: appointment as Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign; a fully sponsored holiday for her and her team facilitated by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board,” Passaris wrote.
She further highlighted the support for Muthoni’s dream visit to Brazil to gain exposure to global conservation initiatives, as well as the conferment of the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for her exceptional environmental stewardship.
She further highlighted the support for Muthoni’s dream visit to Brazil to gain exposure to global conservation initiatives, as well as the conferment of the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for her exceptional environmental stewardship.
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of citizen-led climate action and a win for Kenya Youth,” Passaris added.
The remarks followed a visit by Muthoni to State House on December 15, 2025, where President Ruto personally announced the honours.
The remarks followed a visit by Muthoni to State House on December 15, 2025, where President Ruto personally announced the honours.
The President praised Muthoni for her endurance and dedication, describing her 72-hour continuous tree-hugging effort as “a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.”
Ruto called Muthoni “an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.”
Ruto called Muthoni “an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.”
Her appointment as Ambassador of the national 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign underscores the government’s commitment to restoring Kenya’s forest cover and addressing climate change impacts.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry also pledged support for Muthoni’s long-held ambition of visiting Brazil to engage with international conservation efforts, particularly anti-deforestation projects in the Amazon region.
Muthoni’s 72-hour challenge took place between December 8 and December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri County Governor’s compound after her original plan to conduct the feat in Brazil fell through due to lack of institutional support.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry also pledged support for Muthoni’s long-held ambition of visiting Brazil to engage with international conservation efforts, particularly anti-deforestation projects in the Amazon region.
Muthoni’s 72-hour challenge took place between December 8 and December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri County Governor’s compound after her original plan to conduct the feat in Brazil fell through due to lack of institutional support.
Speaking in a television interview on December 14, she reflected on the challenges she faced.
“When I was trying to achieve what I have already achieved, I did not get any support… This record I did in Kenya was supposed to happen in Brazil,” she said.
Despite harsh weather, sleep deprivation, and limited food, Muthoni completed the marathon successfully.
Despite harsh weather, sleep deprivation, and limited food, Muthoni completed the marathon successfully.
Her achievement built on an earlier Guinness World Record of 48 hours, set earlier in 2025, and further cemented her status as one of Kenya’s rising young environmental champions.
The recognition by President Ruto not only validates Muthoni’s personal efforts but also highlights the importance of youth participation in environmental conservation.
The recognition by President Ruto not only validates Muthoni’s personal efforts but also highlights the importance of youth participation in environmental conservation.
Passaris noted that the move sends a strong signal to young Kenyans that citizen-led initiatives can have meaningful national and global impact.
In addition to public honours, Muthoni’s appointment as ambassador positions her to inspire and mobilize other young people to participate in environmental protection and climate action programs across the country.
In addition to public honours, Muthoni’s appointment as ambassador positions her to inspire and mobilize other young people to participate in environmental protection and climate action programs across the country.
Her work underscores the growing role of youth in shaping Kenya’s response to climate change, especially through innovative and grassroots-driven efforts.