Mama Ida Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has been nominated Kenya’s representative to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
“President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, EGH as the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” said Hussein Mohamed.
Confirming her appointment was Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, who highlighted her journey from being a teacher to her journey as the wife of former ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
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“CANON DR. IDA ODINGA, E.G.H., is a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and an acclaimed 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.
MAMA IDA ODINGA was the lifelong companion of the former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H., until his demise on 15th October, 2025. 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.
IN THE EARLY 1990s, amid the national clamour to transition from a single-party State to a multiparty democracy, she played a key role in advancing calls for change and democratic reform as the founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters. Since then, she has consistently championed initiatives that improve the lives of women, children, the youth, and vulnerable communities.
IN THE PRIVATE sector, Mama Ida Odinga has contributed her leadership to family enterprises, including East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that has made considerable contributions to the nation’s energy sector.
MAMA IDA’S LEADERSHIP and influence extend beyond national borders, where she is widely recognized as a credible and articulate voice for Africa. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to humanity and in bringing our nation closer to her destiny, she has been awarded two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees. In 2018, she was conferred with Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.). She has also received several distinguished accolades, including the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.
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. 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,” read the statement
