Ida Odinga compares herself to biblical Queen Esther as she faces National Assembly for UNEP job vetting
The wife of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, has compared herself to the biblical queen Esther when she appeared before the National Assembly for vetting.
Ida, who was nominated by President William Ruto as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on January 23, 2026, with her name transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by MP Nelson Koech.
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Ida reflected on her career spanning several decades and referred to difficult moments that required a bold voice, referencing her role as a respected public figure and the spouse of the late Raila Odinga.
Comparison with Queen Esther
Ida noted that just like Queen Esther, who saved her nation at a moment of crisis, she too has consistently raised her voice and contributed to saving the nation and the continent when it mattered the most.
“For most of my life, I have often found myself in peculiar spaces that needed a bold voice: a voice to speak for those unable to speak for themselves, a voice of reason and reconciliation during critical make-or-break moments in our nation and in our continent.
“And just like the biblical example of Queen Esther, who did not stay silent but spoke out when it mattered and saved the whole nation, my life and work have been deeply affected by issues that afflict vulnerable populations across the continent,” Ida explained.
She added that she has utilised all platforms available to her to represent those unable to speak for themselves to the best of her ability.
‘I have done my best’
She cited her role as a founding member of the League of Kenya Women Voters as an example of when she stepped up to speak for those who faced barriers in leadership and governance discussions at the time.
“I have done my best to speak out for them on all the platforms that have presented themselves to me. I have dedicated my life to advocating empowerment of women in leadership and governance. I founded the League of Kenyan women voters to advocate for women’s rights and expand participation in governance,” she stated.
The widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga explained that she worked with other rights groups to push for women’s participation in governance, culminating in the creation of 47 Woman Representative positions in the 2010 constitution.
She added that representing one’s country is the highest honour one can attain, expressing her readiness to step into the role if she sails through.
