Ruto Appoints Mama Ida Odinga
President William Ruto has put forward the nomination of Ida Betty Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a statement released by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, on Friday, the President highlighted that Ida’s appointment to this ambassadorial role is a recognition of her lifelong dedication. He praised her work as a shining example of selfless leadership, characterized by bravery and a steadfast commitment to promoting women’s education and empowerment.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
“In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development.”
At the same time, Koskei mentioned that the nomination has been sent to the National Assembly for their consideration and approval, following the constitutional guidelines for appointments to the Foreign Service.
According to the statement, Ida’s appointment is anticipated to enhance Kenya’s involvement in global environmental governance and bolster the country’s long-standing position as the host of UNEP, as well as a significant player in international environmental diplomacy.
Ida, whose husband, the veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, sadly passed away last October, will, pending the National Assembly’s consideration and approval, represent Kenya at UNEP, the only UN global headquarters situated in a developing country, located in Gigiri, Nairobi.
The Head of Public Service noted that this nomination is part of the President’s larger strategy to strategically position Kenya within multilateral institutions, especially concerning environmental protection and sustainable development.
Ida’s nomination is likely to ignite considerable political debate and provoke mixed reactions, especially at a time when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) seems to be deeply divided over whether to align with the government or carve out an independent political path following Raila’s passing.
Both ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have expressed a willingness to form a pre-election alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, building on the post-election agreement the two parties reached after the fiercely contested 2022 elections.
The nomination comes just two days after President Ruto made some changes to ambassadorial appointments. He reassigned Kenya’s original representative to UNEP, Ababu Namwamba, to serve as the country’s High Commissioner to Uganda. This diplomatic reshuffle, announced on Wednesday, January 21, impacted several missions throughout the region.
Namwamba is stepping in for Ambassador Joash Maangi, who has been the High Commissioner to Uganda since 2024. Maangi is now being redeployed to Brussels, Belgium, where he will represent Kenya at the European Commission.
Ruto Appoints Mama Ida Odinga
