- EALA Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has defended the appointment of her mother, Ida Odinga, as Kenya’s UNEP Ambassador, opposing critics
- Winnie said the family received the news with pride, stressing that her mother’s long-term contribution to community leadership merited the appointment.
- He noted that Mama Ida has worked for many years without being recognized by any government, which she said contributed to the public’s interest in her
Member of Parliament for East Africa (EALA), Winnie Odingahas defended the appointment of his mother, Ida Betty Odinga, as Kenyan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
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The member of parliament said that the nomination reflects the decades of service, patience, and respect earned by his mother, rather than being politically motivated.
Why is Mama Ida enough to hold the position of UNEP?
In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, January 27, Winnie said their family received the news with pride, stressing that her mother’s appointment was based on her reputation and long history of contribution to the community.
He described Mama Ida as a woman who endured and was independent for more than four decades, creating a public life based on education, women’s rights, and community leadership.
“I am very proud of him. The whole family is proud of him. He is enough. He has been independent for the last 40 years,” Winnie announced.
Winnie noted that for many years, her mother had been working without any government recognition, ironically referring to the fact that her last official encounter with the government was her dismissal as a teacher.
After that, he said, his mother continued to participate in public life through advocacy and civic engagement, gaining respect from various parts of the community.
According to Winnie, her mother’s background as a qualified teacher gave her a good understanding of social and environmental issues, while her extensive involvement in community work made her a model of political respectability.
“Before this, the last thing the government or the president gave her was to be fired as a teacher 40 years ago. But she stood firm, honest, and continued to fight for women’s rights. She is a geography teacher, she has dealt with various social issues,” added Winnie.
He explained that this long-term contribution is the main reason why many Kenyans see his mother as a role model, especially for women who have passed through public life without holding political office.
“He is a member of the community that I believe many look up to with respect, and I believe he deserves and has earned that respect, and I am very proud of him,” added the EALA member of parliament.
Winnie’s response to Mama Ida’s critics
However, the nomination has sparked a heated debate, with critics feeling that the nomination may be influenced by political issues, following the relationship of the late Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Others on social networks said there is a possibility of “tokenism” and questioned whether his mother really deserves that diplomatic position.
Winnie said her response was based on pride, rather than considering the motives of the critics.
He emphasized that he could not speak on behalf of those who opposed the appointment, adding that this debate shows the bigger issues in Kenyan society, including the attitude of scarcity where each appointment gives rise to the feeling that the other has lost a chance.
Despite the criticism, Winnie expressed that she is confident her mother will carry out her duties with integrity if she is approved to start work.
“I truly believe he deserves it. He is qualified. He is educated. He has organized and managed at the highest levels of society. And I believe he has earned a place of honor in society. The nature of Kenya is that when everyone gets something, others feel that maybe he deserved it. But I believe he will do the right thing and I believe he deserves it.” explained Winnie.
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