Ida Odinga, the spouse of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and now a nominee as Kenya’s representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has appeared before Parliament for vetting.

Her interview for this plum position, however, appeared to many more like a praising ceremony than an accountability and vetting session meant to gauge her suitability for the role.

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the widely labelled “Min Piny” appeared before the Nelson Koech-led Defence Committee for vetting. Applause and cheers were more pronounced than the interview questions.

Millie congratulating Ida

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, when it was her turn to ask questions, took the microphone and told the chair that she had no question to ask.

Instead, she used the moment to shower the nominee with praise. She began by recognising Ida Odinga’s achievements while serving in various capacities, including her fight for social justice and human rights, and her role during the Second Liberation, where she even lost her job because of her husband’s criticism of the Moi era.

She went on to state that Ida Odinga is overqualified for the assignment. She added that in Parliament and even in the committee, they had never seen such a level of skill displayed in a CV.

She further said that Ida Odinga has worked with every regime, as displayed in the photo gallery embedded in her CV, terming her an ambassador par excellence, a title that should ideally be crowned after vetting, approval by the committee, and swearing-in at State House by the President.

However, that did not seem to be the case.

“Mama Ida is overqualified for this position. I would also like to congratulate her. I don’t know if in this committee or this parliament we have ever seen this kind of expertise,” Millie said (while holding Ida’s CV).

“Ida Odinga is an ambassador par excellence; she has worked with every government.”

Wamuratha praising Ida

Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha followed suit, pouring accolades on Ida and telling her that she came prepared for the vetting and that they were actually intimidated by her, saying, “Umetuuzia uoga na tumenunua.” It was after this that she tendered her question.

“I will first congratulate Mama Ida for this appointment. The other thing is that you came in prepared, as local Kenyans would say, ‘umetuuzia uoga na tuumenunua‘. By the way you presented yourself, tumenunua,” Wamuratha stated.

Nelson Koech’s warning

This trend caught the attention of the chair, who was forced to step in, noting that it sounded as though parliamentarians who were supposed to vet the nominee were starting with congratulations instead of questions.

He added that congratulations should come later, if and when the committee approves her for the role.

“I have to caution members. It sounds like most of you are doing well; congratulations. We are in for a vetting exercise; you will have that opportunity as a committee to relay your congratulatory message later if you do approve the nominee,” Koech stated.

Nelson Koech went ahead to state that Ida was very prepared for the grilling session and was ready to answer any question.

“Let’s restrict ourselves to the vetting process; Mama Ida can take any question she is prepared for,” he added.

Wetang’ula’s vetting exercise

Ida Odinga, who declared her net worth as Ksh500 million, faced a vetting that seemed to contradict other vetting sessions, such as those of Cabinet Secretary nominees.

In previous vetting exercises, the chair, normally the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has been firm and often cautions nominees against speaking as if they already hold the office.

Nominees are usually advised to phrase their responses as “should I be given this role” or “if approved.” However, during Ida’s vetting, some MPs deviated and spoke as if they had already approved her.

While the role Ida Odinga has played in society cannot be understated, especially her contribution to social justice, the process was meant to be constitutional. Probing questions could have taken precedence over accolades.

Eroding her status

In the past, Her appointment raised questions about whether it was a demotion or a promotion. Political analysts such as Herman Manyora viewed it as a demotion and an attempt to localise her influence.

He argued that she should not take the role, suggesting it would make her appear ordinary, thereby diminishing the status she holds in the Luo community and the entire country.

According to him, given her stature, she should be someone leaders run to for advice.

Even a photo of a politician like President Ruto having breakfast with her would, in his view, speak volumes in a country where political perception often carries significant weight.

Ida emulating Mama Ngina

After Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025, Manyora stated that Ida Odinga should emulate Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the mother of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, in how she has conducted herself since 1978 following the death of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta. He noted how she has navigated several political cycles without being heavily involved in active politics.

The vetting outcome

However, the issue is not about her résumé; it is about the process. By appearing to congratulate her prematurely, some MPs risked creating the perception that the outcome was predetermined. And perception, in matters of public trust, is everything.

Vetting serves three key purposes. First, it allows legislators to assess technical competence. Second, it provides a platform to examine potential conflicts of interest or political considerations.

Third, it demonstrates transparency to the public. When tough but fair questions are replaced with praise, these objectives are weakened.

Although Ida Odinga was grilled by a handful of MPs, the billion-dollar question that emerged was this: was she being vetted for her suitability, or was she simply being praised?