I’m an industrialist, not a politician — Ida Odinga

Kenya’s Permanent Representative Ida Odinga to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has distanced herself from active politics, asserting that her identity and work are rooted in industry rather than political engagement.

Speaking in Mombasa, Ida made it clear that despite her proximity to influential political figures, she does not consider herself part of the political class.

“Personally, I’m not a politician and I hope you know that. My husband was, my daughter is, my brother-in-law is, and people around me are, but I’m an industrialist,” she said.

Her remarks come amid heightened attention following the death of her husband, Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape.

Addressing questions about her absence from certain political processes during that period, Ida cited her state of mourning as a key factor.

“When I lost my husband, I was still in the state of mourning and that was very important to me and therefore, I was not able to come out and participate in political arrangements that you are talking about,” she said.

Ida’s position at UNEP places her at the forefront of international environmental diplomacy, where she represents Kenya in global discussions on sustainability and development.

Her professional track record has largely centered on economic empowerment, environmental advocacy, and institutional leadership rather than electoral politics.

While the Odinga family remains deeply embedded in Kenya’s political sphere, Ida emphasized that her contributions lie outside partisan contestation.

Ida was expected to play a huge role in the running of the affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

This, however, did not happen as the affairs and decisions of the have now been left largely to Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, her late husband’s brother, who handles the party affairs.

He was recently ratified as the official party leader even as division continues to grow from within the party.

One of the factions led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is pushing the Linda Mwananchi agenda, while the other is pushing the Linda Ground narrative.