. Photo/courtesy
By Peter Mwibanda
NAIROBI, Kenya
A young Kenyan environmental activist has clinched a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon record, clinging to one tree through sun, rain and sheer government indifference — after the Environment Ministry, in true Kenyan fashion, offered warm words but cold paperwork.
The Gen Z campaigner, whose endurance levels now rival those of Nairobi commuters stuck on Thika Road, hugged a single tree for three straight days and nights.
She skipped food, water, sleep and even bathroom breaks, proving once again that Gen Zs are capable of commitment — just not to five-year relationships.
She had trained by walking 42 kilometers non-stop, a symbolic warm-up for the long, exhausting journey Kenyans endure while trying to protect the environment “with zero help from the people in charge.”
Her effort nearly collapsed when ministry officials — who initially promised to support the record attempt — mysteriously vanished when it was time to sign official documents.
Organizers say the ministry “went offline,” likely the same way public institutions do whenever accountability knocks.
“It was disappointing, but I wasn’t going to quit,” she said in a croaky voice after completing the marathon. “If we wait for institutions, we’ll lose the environment. I did this for Kenya, Africa and the planet.”
Hundreds of supporters camped at the site, cheering her on and livestreaming the attempt.
Some joked that even the tree looked shocked that someone showed it more affection than the state shows forests.
Environmental experts say tree-hugging may look quirky, but the message hits hard as Kenya battles deforestation, erratic rainfall and policy promises that age faster than seedlings in a drought.
“This is more than a record — it’s a statement,” said one researcher. “Young people are done asking politely.”
The activist hopes her feat will trigger deeper national conversations on environmental accountability and spur new grassroots efforts in tree planting, wetland protection and climate education.
For many Kenyans, the marathon offered a simple reminder: climate action isn’t a spectator sport.
As she finally released the tree at hour 72, the country witnessed a rare thing — a public commitment that didn’t break.
