Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni received overwhelming support online and offline, earning a substantial amount of gifts, as Kenyans rallied behind her 72-hour tree-hugging attempt.
Throughout her livestreams, thousands of viewers flocked to her TikTok page, transforming the record attempt into one of the most financially supported Kenyan creator moments of the year.
At one point, nearly 45,000 people watched her simultaneously as fans sent a steady stream of virtual gifts, including high-value items such as Lions and TikTok Universe gifts, alongside countless roses, hand hearts, perfumes and confetti.
During her TikTok livestream, Truphena received over two Lions, over seven Money Guns, Galaxy gifts, two Fireworks, and TikTok Universe gifts, and countless roses, hand hearts, finger hearts, perfumes, and confetti.
On the platform, the gift system allows viewers to support their favourite live streamers by purchasing and sending virtual items.
The gifts are bought using TikTok Coins, a virtual currency purchased with real money, with the coin value of the gift being converted into Diamonds for the creator, which can then be cashed out.
Currently, the most expensive is the TikTok Universe at approximately 44,999 Coins (around Sh72,551), followed closely by the Lion at about 29,999 Coins (around Sh51,462), and the Diamond Flight at about 18,000 Coins (around Sh30,891). Other gifts include confetti, perfume, rose, hand heart and finger heart.
With this estimation, the monetary value of Truphena’s premium gifts alone pushed her total earnings comfortably past the half-million shilling mark.
Beyond individual viewers, companies and public figures were quick to pledge rewards in celebration of her victory.
A betting company promised her a Sh1 million payout for successfully breaking the record, while a travel company offered her a fully paid three-night holiday in Mombasa.
Additional personal pledges included a Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 and a Sh100,000 contribution to cover Guinness World Records processing fees.
She also received commitments for skincare treatments and several months of custom-made outfits from local brands eager to honour her accomplishment.
Muthoni completed the 72-hour embrace just after midday outside the Nyeri Governor’s Office, where hundreds gathered to witness the historic moment.
Supporters kept vigil through the rain, the cold, and the long nights, offering her food, water, prayers and constant encouragement as she battled fatigue and physical strain.
At the end of the challenge, the crowd, which had swamped the governor’s office to get a glimpse of Muthoni, erupted into cheers, song and ululations as she crossed the 72-hour mark.
The environmentalist, in a past interview, said the feat was not just about endurance but about drawing attention to the dangers of deforestation and the urgency of climate action.
Her success now cements her position as one of Kenya’s most influential young climate voices.