President Ruto nominates Ida Odinga as Kenya’s permanent representative to UNEP

President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The nomination was announced on Friday by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, who said the President made the appointment in recognition of Ida Odinga’s lifelong public service and her contribution to social justice, education, and women’s 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 and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement said.

Koskei noted that Ida Odinga has, in her own right, consistently stood against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, promoted gender equity, and advanced education as a foundation for inclusive national development.

The Head of Public Service confirmed that the nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, in accordance with constitutional requirements governing appointments to Kenya’s Foreign Service.

According to the statement, Ida Odinga’s appointment is expected to strengthen Kenya’s engagement in global environmental governance and reinforce the country’s role as host of UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, as well as its influence in international environmental diplomacy.

Koskei added that the nomination is part of the President’s broader strategy to position Kenya more effectively within multilateral institutions, particularly on matters relating to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The nomination comes just two days after President Ruto announced changes in ambassadorial postings. In the reshuffle, Kenya’s former Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ababu Namwamba, was reassigned as High Commissioner to Uganda.

Namwamba replaced Ambassador Joash Maangi, who has served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda since 2024 and has now been redeployed to Brussels, Belgium, where he will represent Kenya to the European Commission.

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