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Esther Passaris lauds Ida Odinga, describes her as an incredible mentor
24th January, 2026 09:58 AM
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has lauded Ida Odinga following her nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
While describing Ida as her mentor, Passaris took to her official X account on Saturday, January 24, 2026, explaining Ida’s lifelong commitment to education, democracy, gender equity, and public service.
“Warm congratulations, Dr Mama @IdaOdinga, on your nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP. My mentor and a truly beautiful soul, your lifelong commitment to education, democracy, gender equity, and public service continues to inspire many,” Passaris said.
On her part, Passaris described Ida as a deeply grounded person, wishing her success as she represents Kenya on the global environmental stage.
“Always graceful, deeply grounded, and managing everyone and everything with wisdom and depth. Wishing you every success as you represent Kenya on the global environmental stage. My sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President @WilliamsRuto for this thoughtful and affirming nomination,” Passaris wrote.
Ida Odinga’s nomination
This comes just a day after President William Ruto nominated the widow of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a statement on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Head of State said the nomination was made in exercise of the presidential prerogative vested in him 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),” read the notice in part.
The President has transmitted the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by law.
“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.”
Further, Ruto stated that Mama Ida Odinga is widely recognised as a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity.
