Esther Passaris celebrates Raila’s sister Akinyi Walkowa PhD milestone
By Ascah Mwango, October 3, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has celebrated Ambassador Akinyi Walkowa Odinga after she earned a PhD from Durban University of Technology in South Africa.
Passaris, in a warm message shared on her X account on Friday, October 3, praised the ambassador’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her inspiring example to women and men across the continent. She recalled seeing Walkowa running in and out of the Serena Hotel, arranging interviews with women leaders for her thesis, a memory she said was proof that hard work pays.
Also watch: Passaris demands accountability in Health Fund theft
“Heartiest congratulations to Ambassador Akinyi Walkowa Odinga on her remarkable academic achievement, earning a PhD from Durban University of Technology, South Africa. This milestone reflects her unwavering dedication to excellence, intellectual pursuit, and distinguished service. Her accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to women and men across the continent,” Passaris stated.
Adding;
“I fondly recall her determination as she dashed in and out of the Serena Hotel, scheduling a series of interviews with women leaders for her thesis. Hard work pays. No ifs, no buts, just sheer grit. Wishing her continued success as she blends scholarly insight with diplomatic leadership on the global stage.”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also expressed his pride in his sister’s achievement.
In a heartfelt message on X, Raila said he and his wife, Ida Odinga, were delighted to welcome the newest doctor in the family.
Also watch: Passaris fires back at rivals: “Don’t tear down what I’ve built”
He commended her commitment, resilience and the example she has set for others by pursuing higher education. Walkowa earned her doctorate in Management Sciences, specialising in Public Administration and Peace Studies, from Durban University of Technology.
“Mama Ida and I are proud to welcome the newest doctor in the family! Congratulations to Balozi Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, PhD, on earning her doctorate in Management Sciences, specialising in Public Administration and Peace Studies, from Durban University of Technology in South Africa. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all. Well done,” he wrote on hisX.
Walkowa
Walkowa Odinga is a seasoned diplomat, coach and development practitioner. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Executive Management Coaching from Stellenbosch University and is also a trained psychotherapist and executive coach, with a focus on leadership, conflict transformation, trauma and gender equity.
She previously served as Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission in Los Angeles and has extensive experience in nonprofit and international development work, particularly in areas of peacebuilding and community empowerment.