Mama Ida Odinga has revealed that her personal net worth stands at Sh500 million as she appeared before Parliament for vetting over her nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme.
She made the disclosure on Friday, February 20, when she faced the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations for approval.
During the session, Mama Ida explained that her wealth is separate from that of the family of her late husband, Raila Odinga. She made it clear that while she has an interest in some family assets, her declared net worth only reflects what belongs to her personally.
“There are things that belong to me, Ida, and then there are things that belong to the Odinga family, which I also have an interest in, but my net worth is about 500 million,” said Mama Ida.
She also expressed gratitude to William Ruto for nominating her to represent Kenya at UNEP.
“I thank President Ruto for the trust he has placed in me by nominating me to serve our nation in this important global diplomatic role,” she stated.
Mama Ida praised her late husband, Raila Odinga, noting that he had shaped her journey and growth over the years. She said his support played a major role in the person she has become.
Looking ahead, she outlined her commitment to protecting the environment if Parliament approves her appointment.
“If approved, I intend to do my level best to help stop the destruction of our planet. I will pursue every specific and set priorities,” she added.
President William Ruto nominated Mama Ida for the UNEP position on January 23. In a statement issued at the time, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei pointed to her long service in education and public life. He described her as a respected teacher and civic leader who has devoted her work to social justice and gender equality.
The nomination was later forwarded to the National Assembly for review. On February 10, Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to conduct the vetting process.
"In this regard, the nomination of the Permanent Representative to the UNEP, the name of the nominee and her other testimonial is referred to the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations," Wetangula stated.
If Parliament approves her, Mama Ida will take over from Ababu Namwamba, who has since been reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
Her vetting now sets the stage for lawmakers to decide whether she will take up the diplomatic post at a time when environmental concerns remain high on the global agenda.
