NTV presenters Natalie Githinji, Laura Mbatha and DJ Twinizzle are facing sharp criticism from Kenyans after they appeared to belittle climate activist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging challenge. 

The remarks, made during their Beatz & Buzz show, quickly sparked outrage online, with Kenyans accusing the trio of failing to understand the purpose behind the environmental campaign.

Our newsroom had already been following Muthoni’s attempt before the controversy erupted, and sources close to the challenge told that national media only picked intense interest after public discussions began trending.

Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old activist from Nyeri, is attempting a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon to raise awareness about deforestation, mental health, and the importance of protecting indigenous trees. She is currently carrying out the challenge at Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s compound.

This is not her first attempt. She previously hugged a tree for 48 hours at John Michuki Memorial Park — a feat that earned her recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

According to officials who spoke to The Eastleigh Voice, Muthoni had been scheduled to travel to Brazil to attempt the new record, but logistical issues derailed the plan.

Despite the challenges, Muthoni’s determination has drawn national support from environmentalists, leaders, businesses and ordinary Kenyans who see her as a bold symbol of environmental resilience.

The controversy started when the NTV presenters questioned the value of Muthoni’s effort on their entertainment programme. Instead of celebrating the young activist’s passion, they mocked the purpose behind her record attempt.

Natalie Githinji suggested the challenge was a publicity stunt and criticised Governor Kahiga for visiting Muthoni.

“I think this is just joyriding in fame. Why go take photos instead of giving her a job?” she argued.

Her co-host, Laura Mbatha, echoed the sentiment, asking whether such challenges truly create meaningful impact. DJ Twinizzle went further, suggesting the record attempt was risky and pointless.

“Is her life worth a certificate? If she were my sister, I would tell her she’s doing nonsense,” he said.

Their comments, aired to a national audience, immediately triggered backlash — with many viewers accusing the presenters of failing to appreciate the emotional and psychological advocacy behind the challenge.

Kenyans from different walks of life took to social media to defend Muthoni and condemn the presenters’ remarks. 

Many argued that raising environmental awareness is a powerful and needed act at a time when Kenya faces serious threats from deforestation and climate change.

Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who has worked with Muthoni on previous environmental campaigns, offered one of the strongest rebukes.

“You are speaking out of ignorance,” he wrote. He explained that Muthoni’s journey has been long and full of sacrifices, and praised her passion for nature.

Popular philanthropist Ndungu Nyoro demanded that NTV apologise, while others mocked the presenters for speaking insensitively on a national platform.

One social media user summed it up bluntly: “The problem of talking simply because you have a microphone.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressed support for Muthoni’s mission, describing her as a brave young woman representing the resilience of Kenyan youth. 

He encouraged her to keep pushing and acknowledged that her efforts were receiving global recognition.