Video editor Samolean De Captain has issued a public apology and clarification following claims he previously made suggesting that environmental activist Truphena Muthoni did not complete her 72-hour tree-hugging challenge.
In a statement addressed to Kenyans on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Samolean said he had no involvement whatsoever in the tree-hugging exercise from the start of the challenge until its completion.
“Dear Kenyans, To everyone who supported me positively or negatively and to those who may not have fully understood the Samolean–Truphena controversy, allow me to clarify the facts. From minute zero to minute 4,320, I had no involvement whatsoever in the Truphena tree-hugging process,” he shared.
He explained that his role only came after the challenge had ended, when Truphena approached him to offer professional video-editing services.
According to Samolean, he was tasked with editing the recorded footage and segmenting it into 1GB files covering the full 72-hour duration.
The editor stated that the raw footage amounted to 129GB, which was later compressed to 114GB, with the agreed rate being Ksh1,000 per gigabyte.
He said Truphena first paid Ksh20,000, and while a delay in settling the balance led him to make the false claims, she eventually cleared the full amount.
“Subsequently, Truphena requested my services to edit the recorded video and segment it into 1GB files for a 72-hour period. This process generated a total of 129GB, which was later compressed to 114GB. The agreed rate was KSh 1,000 per GB. Truphena paid KSh 20,000 and committed to clearing the balance, which she has since fully honoured,” he wrote.
Samolean acknowledged that the payment agreement was honoured and thanked Truphena for fulfilling her obligation.
In his apology, he also expressed gratitude to Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for what he termed understanding and indulgence during the controversy, describing the governor as a father figure to the younger generation.
“To H.E. Governor Mutahi Kahiga , I sincerely thank you for your indulgence and understanding. You are truly father of our generation, and I salute you,” he shared.
He further thanked Facebook influencer Nyawira Wa Kariuki for her role in ensuring that the matter was resolved fairly and that payment for his services was completed without exaggeration or conflict.
“To Nyawira Wa Kariuki, thank you for your effort and diligence in ensuring that what was rightfully mine was paid, without exaggeration,” he added.
Truphena Muthoni successfully completed the 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in December 2025 in Nyeri County, drawing nationwide attention and praise for her environmental advocacy.
Her feat was witnessed by members of the public and widely covered, with the activist stating that the initiative aimed to raise awareness on conservation, climate change, and mental health.
