- President William Ruto has appointed Mama Ida as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
- His name is now awaiting approval by the National Assembly, although some Kenyans advised him to reject the nomination
- However, Mama Ida accepted the post and described it as a great honor during the church service
Mother Ida Odinga has broken his silence following uhis appointment as ambassador and permanent representative of Kenya in the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Source: Facebook
President William Ruto presented Ida’s name to parliament on Friday, January 23, and the nomination is now awaiting approval by the National Assembly.
If approved, the former teacher will represent Kenya at UNEP, the main body of the United Nations that deals with environmental issues, whose headquarters are in Nairobi.
Her appointment surprised many, with some speculating that she might have turned down the post due to her long history of working quietly behind the scenes during her late husband’s political journey. Raila Odinga.
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What is Mama Ida’s appointment about?
In an official statement, the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff of the White House, Felix Koskei, confirmed that the appointment met all the constitutional requirements regarding the appointment of foreign services.
“Using the authority given to him by the Constitution as Head of State and Government, he has appointed Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, EGH, for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP),” read the statement.
If approved, the appointment will place Mama Ida at the center of international environmental diplomacy, representing Kenya in high-level discussions on climate change and sustainability.
What did Mama Ida say about the appointment of UNEP?
Speaking for the first time about his appointment during the dedication ceremony at the PEFA Church located on the road Thika Sunday, January 25, 2026, Mama Ida expressed her gratitude and humility.
“Thank you very much to all who congratulated me on this new appointment. For me, it is a great honor, and I am very happy,” he said in a video that has since spread rapidly on the internet.
Mama Ida brings to this position a long public record in education, civic leadership, and the defense of social rights and gender equality.
He started his professional career as a teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before moving to Kenya High School, where he served more than a decade in the classroom.
More than teaching, Mama Ida emerged as an important civic voice in some important political moments in Kenya.
In the early 1990s, when the country pushed to end one-party rule and support multi-party democracy, Mama Ida played an important role in mobilizing women to demand political reforms.
She served as the Founding Chair of the League of Kenya Women Voters, an organization that was influential in promoting democratic participation and accountability.
Over the years, her advocacy expanded to include women’s education, youth empowerment, and support for vulnerable communities.
In the private sector, Mama Ida has contributed to family organizations, including East African Spectre, a gas cylinder manufacturing company that has contributed to Kenya’s energy sector.
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