President William Ruto has nominated Ida Betty Odinga, widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who died in October 2025, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme.
The nomination, announced on January 23, 2026, was followed by a rigorous vetting session on Friday before the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee. During the televised hearing, Ida Odinga provided a deeply personal account of her life journey, professional background and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Born and raised in Gem, Siaya County, and later Migori, she was brought up by her mother, a dedicated nurse who instilled in her strong values of service and resilience. “My mother was the pillar of our home,” Odinga told the committee. “She worked long hours in rural health centres, often walking miles to reach patients. Watching her care for others taught me the importance of sacrifice and community service from a very young age.”
She pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography in 1995. “Geography opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural environment,” Odinga explained. “It showed me how land, water, climate and people interact, and it ignited a passion for protecting our planet that has never left me.”
Over the decades, Odinga has been actively involved in public service and advocacy. She served in various community development roles, supported women’s empowerment initiatives, championed education access in rural areas and worked closely with her late husband on social justice campaigns. “I have always believed that leadership is about lifting others,” she said. “Whether through grassroots mobilisation or policy advocacy, I have tried to contribute to a more just and sustainable Kenya.”
Addressing her financial status as required during vetting, Odinga declared her personal net worth at KSh 500 million, comprising investments in real estate, agribusiness ventures and savings accumulated over years of professional work. “This figure is entirely separate from family assets or inheritance,” she clarified. “It reflects my own earnings and prudent investments. I have always believed in transparency and accountability in public life.”
Odinga spoke passionately about her vision for the UNEP role, emphasising Kenya’s leadership position in global environmental matters. “If approved, I will champion bold, science-based action to halt environmental destruction,” she pledged. “Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and land degradation threaten our future. Kenya has a moral obligation to lead by example—through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and strong advocacy at the international level. I will work tirelessly to ensure Africa’s voice is heard and respected in global forums.”
Committee members asked detailed questions about her diplomatic readiness, knowledge of multilateral environmental agreements and ability to represent Kenya effectively. Odinga demonstrated deep familiarity with frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity, UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Kenya’s own climate commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions.
She also addressed potential conflicts of interest, stating she would recuse herself from any matter involving personal or family business interests and fully comply with diplomatic codes of conduct. “My loyalty is to Kenya and to the global common good,” Odinga affirmed. “I have no hidden agenda. My only interest is advancing environmental protection and sustainable development for current and future generations.”
The vetting session was marked by moments of emotion as Odinga reflected on her late husband’s lifelong advocacy for social justice and environmental stewardship. “Raila believed that true freedom includes freedom from environmental harm,” she said. “He fought for clean water, clean air and land rights for the marginalised. I carry that legacy forward in my own way, and I hope to honour it at UNEP.”
The committee is expected to table its report and recommendation to the full House in the coming days. If approved by Parliament and formally accredited, Ida Odinga will become Kenya’s envoy to one of the most important United Nations specialised agencies headquartered in Nairobi.
Her nomination has been welcomed by environmental organisations, women’s rights groups and many ordinary Kenyans who see it as fitting recognition of her quiet but consistent public service. The move also signals continuity in Kenya’s tradition of appointing respected figures to multilateral environmental roles.
