- During the process of vetting Ida Odinga for the position of UNEP member, MPs of the Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee were warned for turning the session into a praise session instead of an in-depth interview
- Chairman Nelson Koech reminded the members to focus on his qualifications and scope of work instead of giving compliments
- He noted that Ida was well prepared to answer the basic questions, and encouraged the members to focus on the investigation process
Members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations have come under fire after appearing to abandon detailed questions to Ida Odinga and instead began to praise him throughout the session.
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The committee, chaired by Belgut Member of Parliament, Nelson Koech, met on Friday, February 20, to investigate Ida’s suitability to be Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Committee members seemed to put aside real questions about the scope of the task ahead of Ida and her ability to carry it out.
“I have no questions because the truth speaks for itself. Honorable Ida Odinga has more than what is needed for this position… I don’t think many people understand what Mama has done for this nation, and what she goes through every election season, with perseverance and courage. And even if you look at various pictures, she works with everyone. She has worked with every government, without questioning, without complaining. So she deserves it,” said the North Suba Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo.
Other members also focused on praising him personally, which caused a reaction from the chairman of the committee.
He reminded them that they were there to examine Ida about the technical aspects of the work and its suitability, and asked them to leave their compliments for another suitable time.
“It sounds like, and I must warn the delegates, it seems that many of you are offering congratulations. This is an investigative process, and you will have an opportunity as a committee to offer your congratulations later if you have a program,” said Koech.
He directed the delegates to focus on UNEP issues and determine Ida’s qualifications to hold the position.
He noted that Ida had the ability to answer any question, so the members should not waste the time of the session by congratulating her.
“For now, let’s focus on the investigation process. As a question, Mama Ida can answer all the questions. She is prepared and knows all your questions. I think at this time, we should focus on asking the questions we came to ask,” he said.
At the same time, Ida was faced with serious questions about the position of the UNEP delegate and the steps she will take in important issues if she is given the position.
He was asked to explain how he will expand Kenya’s role in carbon trading agreements and attract climate finance to Kenya and other developing countries if he is appointed to the UNEP position.
In her response, Ida emphasized her ability as a resource mobilizer, noting the importance of her social network and the relationships she has.
He explained that he will raise awareness and advocate for Kenya’s greater participation in carbon markets and international trading systems to secure climate finance.
Ida also explained her extensive experience in public service, policy advocacy at the regional, national, continental and international levels, as well as her experience in the education sector and the private sector, as tools to advance Kenya’s interests in UNEP.
If he is approved by the National Assembly, he will succeed him Ababu Namwambawho was transferred to become Kenya’s High Commissioner in Uganda.
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