Monday, January 26,
2026 - Mama Ida Odinga has expressed
gratitude following her nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent
Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Speaking on Sunday, January 25th, during a church
service at PEFA Church along Thika Road, Mama Ida described the nomination as
an honour.
She thanked Kenyans who had sent congratulatory messages,
saying the support meant a lot to her.
“Thank you so much to those who have congratulated me on
this new appointment. For me, it is an honour, and I’m happy about it,” she
said.
The nominee acknowledged the heightened media attention
surrounding her appointment but maintained she was not intimidated.
“These days, every time I switch on the TV, I see they
are talking about me. Every time I buy the newspaper, it’s Ida Odinga.”
“But I don’t fear anything, God is with me,” she
added.
President William Ruto nominated Mama Ida to the UNEP post
on Friday, January 23rd.
In a communique, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei
confirmed that her nomination had been forwarded 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 Ida Betty Odinga to the National Assembly for
consideration and approval by Parliament,” the statement read.
Koskei noted that her appointment is expected to strengthen
Kenya’s influence on environmental matters and reinforce its leadership role in
global environmental governance.
He emphasized that, once approved, Mama Ida’s role will
amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and highlight its position as
host of UNEP headquarters in Nairobi.
If endorsed by Parliament, Mama Ida will succeed Ababu
Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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