Willis Raburu gives take after Ruto nominates Ida Odinga for the UNEP role
By Charles Ouma, January 23, 2026Renowned media personality Willis Raburu has reacted to President William Ruto’s decision to offer Mama Ida Odinga an ambassadorial job in his government.
Ruto nominated the widow of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Raburu shared his reaction to the nomination via a statement posted on his official social media platforms on Friday, January 23, 2026, admitting that politics is an interesting phenomenon.
Willis Raburu’s statement posted on his official X account on January 23, 2026. PHOTO: Screengrab by K24 Digital/@WillisRaburu/X
“Politics is an interesting phenomenon,” Raburu stated, adding, “The political sun is raining. If you know, you know!”
Jalang’o had also reacted to the nomination, saying that Kenya’s political scene is fast-paced. Other leaders who welcomed the nomination include Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and MCA Robert Alai, among others.
Ruto’s announcement
Kenya’s political landscape was shaken by the announcement made by President William Ruto at a time when political temperatures are rising as the country inches closer to the 2027 general election.
“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 notice read in part.
If successful, Mama Ida will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner for Uganda on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Following the nomination, Mama Ida’s name was transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by parliament.
“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.”
Members of the Odinga family appointed to govt by Ruto
If successful for the role, Mama Ida will make her debut in the list of members of the larger Odinga family and their relatives serving in top government positions under President Ruto.
Ruto picked Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga’s son Jaoko Oburu, to serve as Special Advisor on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Executive Office of the President on April 22, 2025.
The preceding year saw the president appoint Raila’s sister, Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga Odinga, to serve as the chair of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMRI) Board.
The appointment was made on Friday, November 15, 2024.