President Ruto offers top ambassadorial post to Mama Ida Odinga
By Nancy Marende, January 23, 2026President William Ruto has 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.
“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.”
Additionally, he stated that Mama Ida emerged as a prominent national figure during Kenya’s struggle for democratic reform in the early 1990s.
At a time when the country was pushing for a transition from a single-party system to multiparty democracy, she played a key role in advancing calls for political change.
She was the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, a platform that amplified women’s voices in governance and civic participation. Over the decades, she has consistently championed initiatives focused on women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities, while standing firmly against authoritarianism and injustice.
Mama Ida Odinga’s experience
Beyond activism and education, Mama Ida has also contributed to national development through the private sector. She has served in leadership roles within family enterprises, including East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that has supported Kenya’s energy sector.
Her blend of civic engagement, policy advocacy, and business experience has earned her respect both locally and internationally.
Mama Ida’s leadership and influence extend beyond Kenya’s borders, where she is regarded as a credible and articulate voice for Africa. In recognition of her contribution to humanity and public service, she has received two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees.
In 2018, she was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), and has also received accolades such as the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.