President William Ruto nominated the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Dr. Ida Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a communiqué issued on Friday, the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, stated that the President has formally dispatched the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by the constitutional requirements governing appointments to the Foreign Service.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, has caused the nomination of Canon Dr Idda Betty Odinga, E. G. H., for appointment as Ambassador or Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” read the communique in part.
Koskei noted in the communique that Mama Ida, as she is affectionately known, is a renowned educator, civic activist, and supporter of social justice and gender parity.
He mentioned that she started out as a graduate teacher at Nairobi’s Highway Secondary School before moving on to teach at Kenya High School for over ten years.
It further stated that Mama Ida’s life’s work has been distinguished by her dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and education, opposing injustice and authoritarianism, supporting freedom of speech, and advocating for gender parity.
“In the early 1990s, amid the national clamour to transition from a single-party State to a multiparty democracy, she played a key role in advancing calls for change and democratic reform as the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters,” noted Koskei, who is the chief of staff.
“Since then, she has consistently championed initiatives that improve the lives of women, children, the youth, and vulnerable communities.”
According to the statement, Mama Ida has led family businesses, such as East African Spectre, a manufacturer of liquid gas cylinders that supports Kenya’s energy industry.
The communiqué claims that she is acknowledged as a reliable voice for Africa and that her influence goes beyond Kenya.
She has been recognised for her achievements with two honorary Doctor of Letters degrees and, in 2018, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian distinction.
“Her appointment to this role, subject to the requisite parliamentary approval, 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,” stated Koskei.