President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, popularly known as Mama Ida and the wife of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The nomination was announced on Friday through a statement issued by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
According to the statement, President Ruto appointed Mama Ida in recognition of her long history of public service and her strong commitment to leadership values that focus on education, empowerment, and social justice.
Koskei said Mama Ida’s work over the years reflects selfless leadership, courage, and dedication, especially in advancing women’s education and promoting equal opportunities for all.
He noted that her contribution to society goes beyond politics and has had a lasting impact on communities across the country.
“In exercising the powers vested in the Head of State and Government, His Excellency the President has nominated Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
The Head of Public Service further highlighted that Mama Ida has consistently stood firm against authoritarianism and injustice. Over the years, she has championed freedom of expression, pushed for gender equality, and promoted education as a key foundation for inclusive national growth and sustainable development.
Koskei also confirmed that the nomination has been formally forwarded to the National Assembly. Members of Parliament will now review the appointment and either approve or reject it in line with constitutional requirements governing appointments to Kenya’s Foreign Service.
If approved, Mama Ida is expected to play a key role in strengthening Kenya’s participation in global environmental governance.
Her appointment is also seen as reinforcing Kenya’s long-standing position as the host country of UNEP and a leading voice in international environmental discussions.
UNEP is the only United Nations global headquarters located in a developing country and is based in Gigiri, Nairobi.
Subject to parliamentary approval, Mama Ida will represent Kenya at the organization, working closely with international partners on environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development initiatives.
The Head of Public Service added that the nomination is part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to position Kenya more strategically within major multilateral institutions. The focus, he said, is especially on global efforts related to environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
Mama Ida’s nomination is expected to trigger wide political debate and attract mixed reactions from different quarters. This comes at a time when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing internal divisions following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga, in October last year.
The party is currently split over whether to formally align with the ruling government or remain politically independent.
At the same time, both ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have publicly shown openness to forming a pre-election political agreement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
This would build on the post-election cooperation pact the two parties entered into after the closely contested 2022 elections.
Mama Ida’s nomination also comes shortly after President Ruto made changes to Kenya’s diplomatic postings. Just two days earlier, the President reassigned Ababu Namwamba, who was Kenya’s first Permanent Representative to UNEP, to serve as the country’s High Commissioner to Uganda.
Namwamba replaced Ambassador Joash Maangi, who has held the Uganda posting since 2024. Maangi has now been redeployed to Brussels, Belgium, where he will represent Kenya to the European Commission as part of the latest diplomatic reshuffle.
Join Gen z Official WhatsApp Channel to share your thoughts and stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
