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| Mama Ida Betty Odinga |
Mama Ida Betty Odinga has officially accepted her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, during a dedication service at PEFA Church along Thika Road, Mama Ida thanked Kenyans for the messages of goodwill following her nomination, describing the appointment as an honour.
“Thank you so much to those who have congratulated me for this new appointment. For me, it is an honour and I’m happy about it,” she said.
President William Ruto nominated Mama Ida to the post under powers vested in the Head of State, with the nomination now forwarded to Parliament for vetting and approval, as required for all Foreign Service appointments under the Constitution.
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| President William Ruto |
If approved, she will replace Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, as part of President Ruto’s ongoing diplomatic reshuffle affecting several missions abroad.
Mama Ida acknowledged the heightened public and media attention following the nomination but said she remains calm.
“Every time I switch on the TV or read the newspapers, they are talking about me. But I don’t fear because God is with me,” she said, encouraging Kenyans to remain steadfast in faith.
The government has said the appointment, subject to parliamentary approval, is expected to strengthen Kenya’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy and advance the country’s sustainable development agenda.
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| Mama Ida Odinga |
Mama Ida Odinga is a veteran educationist, civic leader and long-time advocate for social justice, gender equity and democratic reform.
She began her career as a teacher at Highway Secondary School before serving for over a decade at Kenya High School.
She played a prominent role in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement in the early 1990s and was the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters. Over the years, she has also been involved in private sector leadership and community development initiatives.
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| Mama Ida and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga |
She holds two honorary doctorate degrees and was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) in 2018.
Mama Ida was the spouse of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025.
Her nomination now awaits debate and approval by the National Assembly.
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