Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has characterized the nomination of Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a significant achievement of the current broad-based government coalition.
Shortly after President William Ruto announced this development on Friday, January 23, 2026, Senator Cherargei took to X to commend the decision, extending his congratulations to Ida Odinga on her nomination by the Head of State.
“Congratulations, Mama Canon Dr. Ida Odinga, on your appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). We wish you success as you serve your country with dedication, enthusiasm, and passion,” stated Senator Cherargei.
Highlighting the current collaboration between President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Cherargei asserted that this nomination will strengthen the ODM party as the 2027 general election approaches.
“These are the tangible results of a broad-based government that will endure and flourish in the foreseeable future. The ODM party is now poised for stability for many years to come under this inclusive arrangement,” the lawmaker emphasized.
Additionally, the announcement made on Friday by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei highlighted that Ida Odinga’s nomination recognizes her lifelong commitment to public service.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercising the prerogative granted to the Head of State and Government, nominated 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 noted.
“In her own right, she has consistently opposed authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a foundation for inclusive national development.”
Koskei further stated that the nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for review and approval, in accordance with the constitutional procedures governing appointments within the Foreign Service.
The statement underscored that Ida’s nomination is expected to enhance Kenya’s role in global environmental governance and further solidify the country’s prominent position as the host of UNEP, as well as a leading advocate in international environmental diplomacy.
