Winnie Odinga Breaks Silence On Her Mother’s UNEP Nomination
Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), approved her mother, Ida Betty Odinga’s nomination to serve as Kenya’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a January 27 interview with Citizen TV, Winnie expressed her pride in her mother and her belief that the nomination is merited.
“I believe she merits this position; she is qualified, educated, and she has had experience in governance and managing at very high levels of society,” Winnie said.
“I believe she has earned a position of respect within society.”
Winnie Odinga on Ida Odinga’s appointment: I feel pride. I believe she merits this position; she is qualified, educated, she has had experience in governance and managing at very high levels of society. I believe she has earned a position of respect within society. I believe she… pic.twitter.com/pHqxodXZ6A
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 27, 2026
Additionally, Winnie conveyed her faith in her mother’s capacity to succeed in the new position.
“I believe she is going to do the right thing, and I believe she deserves it,” she said.
Ida is a strong, self-reliant woman who has stood her ground for decades, according to the EALA MP.
“She stood on her own for the past 40 years. She stood firm, loyal and has fought for the rights of women in this country,” Winnie said.
The whole family is pleased with Ida’s accomplishments and the nomination, she said.
“I am extremely proud of her; the whole family is proud of her. She deserves it,” Winnie said.
In addition to highlighting the family’s endorsement of Ida’s nomination, Winnie’s comments also underscore her longstanding support for women’s rights.
On January 23, President Ruto proposed Ida. Ababu Namwamba, who was reassigned as Kenya’s ambassador to Uganda, will be replaced by Ida if confirmed.
Mama Ida Odinga is a well-known educationist, civic activist, and supporter of gender parity and social justice.
Before relocating to Kenya High School, where she spent more than ten years molding the brains of future leaders, she started her career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi.
The nominating statement states that her time in the classroom “nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education.”
The nominee is well known for her lifetime commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and public service.
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In welcoming her nomination, Mama Ida described it as an honour.
“Thank you so much to those who have congratulated me on this new appointment. For me, it is an honour, and I’m happy about it,” Mama Ida stated.
She was speaking during a dedication ceremony at the Pefa Church, Thika Road, on Sunday, January 25.
Mama Ida said she remains calm despite the heightened public attention following her nomination to the UNEP.
Winnie Odinga Breaks Silence On Her Mother’s UNEP Nomination
