Mama Ida Odinga, the matriarch of the Odinga dynasty, has officially accepted President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In a move that has stunned both allies and foes, she described the appointment as a "national honour."

Speaking during a dedication ceremony at the PEFA Church along Thika Road on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Mama Ida appeared calm and composed, dispelling rumors that she might reject the offer. The nomination comes just three months after the nation buried her husband, the late opposition titan Raila Odinga, whose sudden death in October 2025 left a gaping void in Kenyan politics.

"Service Above Self"

"I have heard the noise, and I have read the papers," Mama Ida told the congregation, her voice steady. "But when your country calls, you answer. This is not about politics; it is about service. I am happy about it, and I am ready to represent Kenya on the global stage."

Her acceptance signals a significant shift in the post-Raila landscape. By taking up the UNEP role, headquartered in Gigiri, Ida steps out of the shadows of "spouse politics" and into a substantive diplomatic position previously held by Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned to Uganda.

• The Job Description: As Kenya’s envoy to UNEP, she will be at the heart of global climate diplomacy, a critical portfolio given Kenya’s leadership in green energy.
• The Political Undertones: While she framed it as service, pundits argue her acceptance is a tacit "ceasefire" with the Ruto administration, which has been aggressively courting the Nyanza base since Raila’s demise.

A New Chapter

The church erupted in applause as she cited Psalms 23, encouraging Kenyans to remain steadfast in times of trouble. For a woman who has stood by the side of Kenya’s most persecuted politician for decades, this appointment offers a new platform—one defined not by teargas and rallies, but by diplomacy and protocol.

Parliament is expected to fast-track her vetting. If approved, Mama Ida will trade the chaotic arena of ODM politics for the hushed corridors of the United Nations, a transition that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a fascinating new chapter.