Muthoni, 22, recently completed a demanding 72-hour tree-hugging marathon aimed at drawing attention to deforestation and climate change.
Speaking in a television interview after the feat, she revealed that she had approached the Ministry of Environment for assistance before attempting the challenge but did not receive any support.
According to Muthoni, her plan had been to carry out the exercise in Brazil during the COP30 climate conference.
According to Muthoni, her plan had been to carry out the exercise in Brazil during the COP30 climate conference.
However, due to the lack of facilitation and accreditation, she was forced to complete the marathon locally at the residence of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
She successfully finished the challenge on Thursday, December 11, 2025, adding to her earlier achievements, including a 48-hour tree-hugging record that was later recognised by Guinness World Records earlier this year.
Reacting to her comments, Robert Alai dismissed Muthoni’s appeal for State support, arguing that her campaign was a personal initiative rather than a government responsibility.
In a social media post on Monday, Alai questioned what kind of assistance she expected from the Ministry, suggesting that hugging trees does not directly translate to tree planting or environmental restoration.
He described the campaign as a self-driven mission and said individuals should not blame institutions for choosing not to support activities they may not prioritise.
His remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing that conservation efforts should focus more on planting trees, while others defended Muthoni’s symbolic approach to environmental advocacy.
Muthoni responds
Despite the criticism, Muthoni said she has strong support from her family and remains focused on her mission. She described tree hugging as both a physical and mental exercise that requires discipline and preparation.
She explained that she trained extensively before the 72-hour attempt, including long-distance walking, fasting, and repeated practice sessions that lasted several hours. According to her, the exercise is largely mental, relying on focus and endurance.
Muthoni also clarified that the symbolism behind tree hugging is intentional. She believes that emotional connection is a powerful driver of conservation, arguing that people are more likely to protect nature when they feel personally connected to it.
The exchange between Alai and Muthoni has reignited debate on the role of symbolism in environmental activism and whether government institutions should support unconventional conservation campaigns.
Supporters of Muthoni argue that awareness is a critical first step toward environmental protection, while critics insist that measurable actions such as tree planting should take priority.
She successfully finished the challenge on Thursday, December 11, 2025, adding to her earlier achievements, including a 48-hour tree-hugging record that was later recognised by Guinness World Records earlier this year.
Reacting to her comments, Robert Alai dismissed Muthoni’s appeal for State support, arguing that her campaign was a personal initiative rather than a government responsibility.
In a social media post on Monday, Alai questioned what kind of assistance she expected from the Ministry, suggesting that hugging trees does not directly translate to tree planting or environmental restoration.
He described the campaign as a self-driven mission and said individuals should not blame institutions for choosing not to support activities they may not prioritise.
His remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing that conservation efforts should focus more on planting trees, while others defended Muthoni’s symbolic approach to environmental advocacy.
Muthoni responds
Despite the criticism, Muthoni said she has strong support from her family and remains focused on her mission. She described tree hugging as both a physical and mental exercise that requires discipline and preparation.
She explained that she trained extensively before the 72-hour attempt, including long-distance walking, fasting, and repeated practice sessions that lasted several hours. According to her, the exercise is largely mental, relying on focus and endurance.
Muthoni also clarified that the symbolism behind tree hugging is intentional. She believes that emotional connection is a powerful driver of conservation, arguing that people are more likely to protect nature when they feel personally connected to it.
The exchange between Alai and Muthoni has reignited debate on the role of symbolism in environmental activism and whether government institutions should support unconventional conservation campaigns.
Supporters of Muthoni argue that awareness is a critical first step toward environmental protection, while critics insist that measurable actions such as tree planting should take priority.
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