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Dr. Ida Odinga has spoken for the first time since President William Ruto nominated her to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, Ida thanked all those who congratulated her on the appointment, saying she was honoured and happy.
“Thank you to all those who have congratulated me on my appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador to UNEP. It’s an honour, and I’m happy about it,” Ida said.
Her nomination, announced on 23 January 2026, officially positions Ida Odinga to potentially succeed Ababu Namwamba as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the principal United Nations body coordinating global environmental policy, pending parliamentary approval.
Namwamba was reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda under a broader diplomatic realignment by the Ruto administration.
Appointment and Political Context
President Ruto’s decision of nominating Dr. Odinga is happening at a very critical political moment, particularly during the period after the passing of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, in October of last year, 2025.
Raila Odinga’s passing evidently created a major political void in both the political opposition and in ODM.
Her nomination is part of Ruto’s broader strategy to reinforce Kenya’s environmental diplomacy while also engaging key figures across the political divide.
The formal nomination was conveyed through a presidential notice signed by Felix Koskei, Head of the Public Service, and forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting, in accordance with constitutional procedures governing foreign service appointments.
If approved by parliament, Dr. Odinga would negotiate issues concerning international environmental concerns such as climate change, development, and the preservation of biodiversity.
Also Read: Profile of Ida Odinga: Early Life, Family, Education & Career
Reactions and Divergent Views
Reactions to the nomination have been mixed across Kenya’s political and civil society spheres.
Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Cabinet Secretary, praised the appointment as timely, fitting and well thought out, noting Ida Odinga’s long record in education, advocacy, and public service, which he believes will enhance Kenya’s voice in international environmental governance.
“IdaOdinga has contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of our country, particularly in the spheres of education, women’s rights, and the clamour for inclusive governance,” Murkomen said.
Similarly, Environment Cabinet Secretary Debora Barasa extended warm congratulations, describing the role as a well-deserved honour, reflecting her leadership and commitment to sustainability.
“Warmest congratulations to Ida Odinga on her presidential nomination as Ambassador & Permanent Representative to UNEP. A well-deserved honor reflecting outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to sustainability. I wish you great success in this global role,” Barasa lamented.
Also Read: Ruto Nominates Ida Odinga for International Govt Role
Next Steps
The nomination awaits parliamentary approval as mandated by the constitution.
Once cleared, she would take over the role as an ambassador to the office of the UNEP, where Kenya is a key host and facilitates various multilateral meetings on environment management and conservation.
Ida is well positioned to play a key role as a Kenya ambassador considering her long and successful career as an educationist and a lover and champion of gender justice and equality.
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Mama Ida Odinga during a past event. PHOTO/Courtesy.
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