President William Ruto Friday nominated Dr Ida Betty Odinga, the widow of Raila Odinga to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The nomination was transmitted to Parliament for consideration and approval.
If approved, she will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
Some saw the nomination as politically motivated.
Mama Ida Odinga is a respected educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity.
She began her career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before moving to Kenya High School, where she spent over a decade shaping the minds of future leaders.
Her years in the classroom, according to the nomination statement, “nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education.”
The nominee is widely recognised for her lifelong dedication to public service and advancing women’s empowerment. She was the lifelong companion of the Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025.
“Her life’s work stands as a testament to the highest ideals of selfless service, defined by courage, sacrifice, grace under fire, and an unceasing commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment,” the statement notes.
Mama Ida Odinga has a long history of activism. In the early 1990s, during Kenya’s transition from a single-party state to multiparty democracy, she played a key role in advancing calls for political reform.
She served as the founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, a platform through which she advocated for democratic change and equality.
Since then, she has continued to champion initiatives that improve the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities.
Beyond civic engagement, Mama Ida Odinga has contributed to the private sector, including leadership in family businesses such as East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company.
The enterprise has been credited with making significant contributions to Kenya’s energy sector.
Her leadership and influence are not limited to national issues. She is recognised internationally as a credible and articulate voice for Africa.
Over the years, she has received numerous accolades in recognition of her work.
Analysts say her appointment is expected to strengthen Kenya’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy.
The role will allow the country to amplify its voice on environmental matters, particularly given Kenya’s position as host to the UN’s principal environmental authority.
“The appointment is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy,” the nomination document stated.
The nomination now awaits parliamentary approval, which is required for all State appointments to the Foreign Service under the Constitution.
If approved, Mama Ida Odinga will take up the role as Kenya seeks to advance sustainable development and environmental stewardship on the international stage.
It comes at a time when there are differences in the ODM on which direction to follow ahead of the 2027 polls.
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