Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Ida Odinga, has addressed her recent absence from the public eye, clarifying that her silence was a necessary period of mourning following the loss of her husband.

Speaking during an interview with a local media outlet on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, she explained that her state of grief made it impossible for her to participate in recent political arrangements.

“I’ve been silent for some time, of course when I lost my husband, I was still in the state of mourning, and that was very important to me, and therefore I was not able to come out and participate in political arrangements,” Ida stated.

My career path is different

Ida distanced herself from politics, clarifying that her late husband and other relatives pursued politics, but her own career path is different.

She noted that she is surrounded by a family of prominent political figures, including her daughter and brother-in-law.

Ida instead identified herself as an industrialist, choosing to focus on her role in industry rather than the political arena.

“I’m not a politician, and I hope you know that my husband was, my daughter is, my brother-in-law is, people around me are, but I’m an industrialist. I’m not a politician,” Ida clarified.

Ida UNEP job

President William Ruto nominated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, as a Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya.

The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, confirmed the appointment in a statement on Friday, January 22, 2026.

“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).”

Winnie Odinga in family politics

The late former prime minister Raila Odinga’s daughter and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, Winnie Odinga, recently declared the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as her home, following a formal endorsement by Nairobi delegates for the position of deputy party leader.

Speaking during a consultative meeting of ODM delegates drawn from Nairobi’s 17 constituencies on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Winnie said her roots in the party run deep, tracing back to her family legacy.

She noted that the Orange party is a house that was constructed by her late father and that she would not leave it.

“Hii chama ni nyumba yetu. Ni nyumba ambayo babangu alijenga. Mimi, Winnie Odinga, natoka hapa nikienda wapi?” she asked.

Winnie Odinga also attended the National Delegates Convention of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Friday, March 27, 2026, amid her anticipation within the ODM party.