Jalang’o reacts after Ruto nominates Mama Ida Odinga for top ambassadorial job
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has reacted to Mama Ida Odinga’s nomination for an ambassadorial job by President William Ruto.
Ida was nominated by the president for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
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Reacting to the news, Jalang’o released a brief statement on his official Facebook account on Friday, January 23, 2026, in which he alluded to the fast-paced developments in Kenya’s political landscape.
“You blink … you miss it!” Jalang’o stated.
Replacing Ababu Namwamba
Ruto offered Mama Ida Odinga for the top ambassadorial job to replace Ababu Namwamba, who was appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The Head of State made the nomination via a statement issued on Friday, January 23, 2026.
The statement noted that Mama Ida’s nomination was made in exercise of the prerogative vested in the president under the Constitution and in line with established procedures governing appointments to the Foreign Service.
“HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of CANON DR. IDA BETTY ODINGA, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
In line with the requirements in the Constitution of Kenya, Mama Ida’s name was transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
“IN FULL FULFILMENT of the constitutional requirements on State appointments to the Foreign Service, HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has transmitted the nomination of CANON DR. IDA BETTY ODINGA, E.G.H., to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament,” it added.
Mama Ida Odinga’s profile
Touching on Mama Ida’s profile, Ruto hailed her as a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity who has shaped Kenya for over a decade.
“She began her professional journey as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi and later at Kenya High School, where over a decade in the classroom nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education, inspiring and guiding successive generations of future leaders.”
