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By Diana Wanyonyi
Mombasa county. Kenya — A women’s group affiliated with Kenya’s main opposition party on the coast has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), calling it a fitting recognition of her distinguished public service.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, the ODM Coast Women Leaders described the nomination as historic and an affirmation of women’s vital role in national and international leadership.
In a statement delivered by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, the group highlighted Odinga’s consistent advocacy against authoritarianism and her defense of freedom of expression, alongside her long-standing championing of women’s and girls’ rights.
“Her moral authority, intellectual depth, and commitment to public service make her exceptionally well-suited to represent Kenya at a time when environmental stewardship, climate justice, and sustainable development are urgent global priorities,” the statement read.
UNEP, headquartered in Nairobi, plays a central role in coordinating international environmental policy, including efforts to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The ODM Coast Women Leaders also thanked President William Ruto for approving the appointment, noting that it honors a woman who has served the country with distinction.
Odinga, a holder of the Elder of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) state honor, is the wife of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. Supporters emphasize that her career in education and civic leadership stands independently of partisan politics.
“As women of ODM in the Coast region, we take great pride in Mama Ida’s achievement,” the statement added, saying the appointment reaffirms the role of women in shaping Kenya’s future.
Mboko assured Kenyans that the ODM party and its leaders remain strong and united. “We have also seen the good work of the broad-based government, and we thank you, President Ruto, for nominating Ida to this position,” she said.
Hon. Hanifa Badi Mwajirani, the Majority Leader of the Kwale County Assembly, applauded President Ruto for recognizing Odinga and pledged that ODM would continue to cooperate with the government. She further promised that ODM women would support the President’s political agenda, including his anticipated bid for the presidency in the 2032 general elections.
The group wished Odinga success in her new role, expressing hope that her tenure would be marked by impact and integrity.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who is also the Governor of Mombasa, congratulated Odinga, describing her as a veteran educationist and social justice advocate. He called the appointment a recognition of a lifetime of public service.
“Kenya and the global community will undoubtedly benefit from her moral clarity, intellectual depth, and humane leadership on the multilateral stage. This is a significant win for Kenya and the world,” Nassir said.
He also thanked President Ruto for the appointment, calling it a fitting acknowledgment of Odinga’s contributions to national development and public life. “I sincerely thank President William Samoei Ruto for recognizing and honoring our matriarch. Her voice will now amplify our values, aspirations, and leadership in global environmental governance,” he added.
Odinga’s appointment comes as Kenya seeks to position itself as a key player in international climate diplomacy, leveraging UNEP’s Nairobi headquarters to influence global environmental policy and financing discussions, particularly those affecting developing nations.
