Is she a mama mboga? Malala questions Ruto’s nomination of Ida Odinga for UNEP role
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 24, 2026Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), directly criticised President William Ruto at a Kirinyaga rally on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He accused the president of breaking his promises to ordinary citizens and showing favouritism to the family of the late opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
Malala’s attack focused on Ruto’s recent nomination of Raila’s widow, Ida Betty Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, announced the nomination on Friday, January 23, 2026, sending it to the National Assembly for approval.
“Leo hii ningependa kuwakumbusha vile William Ruto alikuja hapa Kagumo. Alikuwa anasema yeye akipata urais atainua wamama kutoka chini kuenda juu. Akasema atapatia wamamamboga kazi,” Malala told the crowd.
“Jana mmeona kazi ya kwanza ya William Ruto kupatia mama mboga amepatia Ida Odinga. Sasa Ida Odinga ni mama mboga? Sisi tunasema William Ruto aende nyumbani.”
10-Point agenda
He pressed Ruto on the 10-point agreement with the late Raila Odinga.
“Mimi ningependa kuuliza William Ruto, mkataba yako na Raila ilikuwa kwamba mlikuwa na 10-point agenda. Agenda nambari moja, ilikuwa wale Genz wote ambao waliuwawa, William Ruto awacompensate.”
“Genz wamepewa pesa? So we want to ask William Ruto, before you start dishing out job opportunities to Raila Odinga’s family, first of all, make sure you compensate Genz, who died during the protests, since that’s what Raila said.”
Unfulfilled pledge
His remarks reference the violent Gen Z-led protests in mid-2025, where dozens died in clashes with police. The late Raila Odinga supported the youths and later secured a pledge for victim compensation during talks with Ruto, a pledge critics say remains unfulfilled.
Ida Odinga is a former teacher and a long-time advocate for education and women’s rights. Supporters of her nomination say it recognises her own work and fits Kenya’s aim to strengthen global environmental ties as UNEP’s host nation.
However, the move has sparked debate. Some see it as Ruto’s attempt to build political bridges following Raila’s death in October 2025. Opponents, like Malala, label it a betrayal. Malala, who was once Secretary-General of Ruto’s UDA party, has now set conditions, including compensation for protest victims.
Online reactions are mixed. Some question why Ida Odinga should reject the post when other opposition figures have accepted roles. Others congratulate her, calling the nomination deserved.
The National Assembly will soon debate Ida Odinga’s nomination. If approved, she will join other former ODM figures in Ruto’s administration.