President William Ruto has appointed Ida Betty Odinga, widow of the late Raila Odinga, as Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The nomination was announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and forwarded to the National Assembly for approval. However, the Odinga family has shown tension, with Raila Odinga Junior calling for an emergency family meeting.
President William Ruto has nominated Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), according to a statement from Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced on January 23, 2026. Koskei stated the appointment recognizes her lifelong service, exemplifying selfless leadership, courage, and commitment to women's education and empowerment. "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)," the statement read in part.
Koskei added that Ida has resolutely stood against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development. Her name has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and approval in line with constitutional requirements. The appointment is expected to strengthen Kenya's engagement with global environmental governance, particularly as host to UNEP's headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi—the only UN agency based in a developing country.
This nomination follows diplomatic reshuffles on January 21, 2026, where Ababu Namwamba, the previous UNEP representative, was reassigned as High Commissioner to Uganda, replacing Joash Maangi, who has been redeployed to Brussels, Belgium, to represent Kenya at the European Commission.
However, the move has stirred tensions within the Odinga family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Raila Odinga Junior, who is not a politician, posted a surprised tweet that he later deleted, then stated he had contacted his uncle Oburu Odinga, ODM leader, for an emergency family meeting on February 1. "I’m not a politician. I love everyone and respect everyone. My uncle has agreed to a family meeting on the 1st; I would like it sooner. I don’t know what is happening. Do not involve me in the politics," Junior said. This highlights a generational and strategic divide in ODM following Raila's death in October 2025, with concerns over cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM faces internal factions supporting Oburu versus those aligned with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, though both parties signal interest in a pre-election pact.
