President William Ruto has nominated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, as a Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya.
The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, in a statement on Friday, January 22, said that Ida Odinga has been nominated as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
“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).”
Koskei added that President Ruto has transmitted Ida Odinga’s nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament in fulfilment of the constitutional requirements on State appointments to the Foreign Service.
If approved, she will replace former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who has been serving the UNEP role since January 2025.
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Namwamba has since been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, as part of a broader reshuffle within Kenya’s Foreign Service.
Ida Odinga profile
Ida is an educationist, civic leader and an acclaimed advocate for social justice and gender equity who was married to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga until his death on October 15, 2025.
She began her career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before later teaching at Kenya High School, where she served for more than a decade.
In the early 1990s, during Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy, Ida played a role in civic mobilisation efforts as the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, advocating for democratic reforms and women’s participation in governance.
“Her life’s work stands as a testament to the highest ideals of selfless service, defined by courage, sacrifice, grace under fire, and an unceasing commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment. In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development,” Koskei added.
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The Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UNEP nominee has also been involved in the private sector, serving in leadership roles within family-owned businesses, including East African Spectre, a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder manufacturing company.
Awards and recognition
Dr. Odinga has received several national and international recognitions. In 2018, she was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.).
She has also received two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees and other awards recognising her civic and social contributions including the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.
The Chief of Staff said that Ida’s appointment, if approved by Parliament, is expected to strengthen Kenya’s engagement in environmental diplomacy, particularly through UNEP, whose headquarters are based in Nairobi.
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