Ruto Appoints Odinga’s Widow as UN Environment Programme Permanent Representative

President William Ruto has appointed Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The announcement, issued on Friday, by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix K. Koskei, highlights a significant diplomatic appointment pending National Assembly approval.

“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 statement declared.

Dr. Odinga, widely known as Mama Ida, is celebrated as a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity. She began her career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School and Kenya High School, where she spent over a decade inspiring future leaders. “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,” the nomination emphasized.

In the early 1990s, amid Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy, she served as founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, championing democratic reforms. She has since advocated for women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities. In the private sector, she contributed to family enterprises, including East African Spectre, a key player in the nation’s energy sector through liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing.

Mama Ida’s influence reaches beyond Kenya as “a credible and articulate voice for Africa.” Honored with two Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) in 2018, the Trailblazer Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation, her credentials underscore her global stature.

“Her appointment to this role, subject to the requisite parliamentary approval, is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy, as well as its pivotal role as host of the UN’s principal environmental authority,” the statement noted.

The nomination, transmitted to Parliament for consideration, reflects cross-political recognition of her contributions following Raila Odinga’s passing in October 2025. If approved, Dr. Odinga will strengthen Kenya’s engagement at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, advancing global environmental priorities.