President William Ruto has nominated the late Raila Odinga's widow, Ida Odinga, as the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
According to a statement released by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, on January 23, 2026, President Ruto has forwarded Ida’s name to Parliament for consideration and 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),” reads the statement.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is headquartered in Nairobi, making it the first UN agency based in the Global South, a decision aimed at promoting equity and global support.
Since its establishment in Kenya in 1972, UNEP has cemented the country’s role in global environmental governance.
Ida is a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and 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.
Ida was the lifelong companion of the former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, until his demise on October 15, 2025.
According to the State, Ida's influence extends 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.
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 the role, the President says, 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.
If approved by Parliament, Ida will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was, on January 21, 2026, reappointed as Kenya's Ambassador to Uganda.
Under the presidential action, Ambassador Ababu Namwamba was reassigned as High Commissioner to Kampala, Uganda, while Ambassador Joash Maangi was reassigned as Kenya's envoy to Brussels, Belgium, and the European Union.
The changes took effect immediately.
On January 20, 2026, President Ruto officially dispatched a new cohort of Kenya’s ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls-general, underscoring the critical role of diplomacy in advancing Kenya's interests globally.
