Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has described the nomination of Ida Odinga, the spouse of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a fruit of the current broad-based government arrangement.
Taking to X shortly after President William Ruto pronounced the development on Friday, January 23, 2026, the legislator welcomed the move, congratulating Ida Odinga on her nomination by the Head of State.
”Congratulations, Mama Canon Dr Ida Odinga, on your appointment as the ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). We wish well as you serve your country with commitment, zeal, and passion,” Senator Cherargei said.
Amid the current working formula between President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Cherargei said, following the nomination, ODM party will grow stronger as the 2027 general election nears.
”These are the fruits of Broad-based government that shall exist in perpetuity and in the long-term foreseeable future. ODM party shall now be stable for many years to come under a Broad-based arrangement,” the lawmaker noted.
Meanwhile, the announcement, made on Friday by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, said that Ida Odinga’s nomination honours her lifelong dedication to public service.
“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/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
“In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development.”
Koskei added that the nomination has been submitted to the National Assembly for review and approval, in accordance with constitutional procedures for appointments within the Foreign Service.
The statement noted that Ida’s nomination is anticipated to enhance Kenya’s participation in global environmental governance and further cement the country’s prominent position as host of UNEP, as well as a leading advocate in international environmental diplomacy.
