The 22-year-old environmentalist appeared as a guest speaker during this year's Mazingira Day celebrations on October 10, and a photo of her outfit has gone viral.
The celebrations were held at Thogoto Teachers Training College in Kiambu County.
The event was organised by Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya and brought together various institutions including the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenyatta University and other environmental stakeholders.
According to http://Tuko.co.ke, Truphena Muthoni, Kenya's record-breaking tree hugger, appeared as a guest speaker at this year's Mazingira Day celebrations.
The report said a photo of the 22-year-old environmentalist on stage in a short black skirt and colourful braids quickly went viral.
In the viral photo, Truphena is seen addressing the crowd from the stage, microphone in hand.
She is dressed in a green branded polo T-shirt bearing the IRF logo, a short black pleated skirt, striped socks and white sneakers.
Her long braids, carrying extensions in red, blue, green and black, reportedly touched the ground.
The image was shared by Nairobi Updates, which described her as stunning in a striking outfit during Mazingira Day celebrations.
The photo showed her standing on grass holding a microphone in one hand and a smartphone in the other.
Seated behind her were uniformed officers and county officials watching her speak.
The image split opinion almost instantly.
Critics argued that the outfit was too casual for a government event attended by dignitaries.
Facebook user Haron K Chepsat was quoted by http://Tuko.co.ke saying, "Considering the event and the dignitaries it was not decent."
The view was echoed across several online forums where some felt the occasion called for a more formal look.
On Mathira Newspaper's page, which posted 11 photos from the event, comments were dominated by debate over the attire.
Many users criticised the short skirt as indecent for a public ceremony with officials and military personnel.
Some urged her to wear below the knee when in front of seniors.
One comment read, "Just have manners and respect to your elders."
Another user questioned how she would bend to plant trees in such an outfit.
Others defended her right to choose what to wear.
Supporters used the phrase "My dress my choice" to argue that focus should remain on her environmental work.
One supporter wrote, "Her dress her choice. Respect women and young girls."
Another added, "Wangari Maathai lives on," comparing her to the late Nobel laureate.
The debate has reignited a familiar conversation about what young women should wear at official functions.
However, those who know Truphena say her clothing and style is always symbolic.
According to Wikipedia, Muthoni's clothing and style is symbolic.
She had 17 strands of braided hair made from recycled yarn, representing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The braids have four distinct colours with special meanings.
Black symbolises African power, protest and resilience.
Green represents regeneration, reforestation and hope.
Red stands for indigenous resistance and frontline courage.
Blue honours water protectors and ocean defenders.
Truphena first captured national attention in December 2024 after hugging a sacred mugumo tree outside the Nyeri Governor's Office for 72 consecutive hours.
She later broke the Guinness World Record for the longest time hugging a tree.
During that marathon, she wore a blindfold for several hours to raise awareness about people living with disabilities and their vulnerability to climate change.
She has said that hugging trees is therapeutic and can bring happiness to those struggling with mental health.
She is a defender of indigenous trees and advocates for planting indigenous trees rather than replacing them with exotic saplings.
During Mazingira Day, more than 15,000 tree and fruit seedlings were planted at Thogoto.
The exercise was part of the government's efforts to increase forest cover and restore degraded landscapes.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo led a similar exercise in Homa Bay where 6,000 indigenous trees were planted.
He mentioned Truphena among environmental champions including Wangari Maathai.
Despite the criticism, many Kenyans praised her confidence and continued activism.
Some noted that she has become more beautiful and confident since receiving support from corporate sponsors.
Whether the debate is about fashion or environmentalism, one thing is clear.
Truphena Muthoni knows how to get Kenyans talking, and her message about protecting the environment continues to reach more people.
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