Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has renewed his caution to Ida Odinga against accepting President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), warning that the offer carries political implications.

In a post on X dated January 26, 2026, Njiru directly addressed Ida Odinga, referring to her as the “mother of the nation” and urging her to decline the appointment. “Dear Mama Ida, you are the mother of the nation. Don’t bite the bait that the cunning and desperate Ruto has thrown to you. That appointment is a booby trap,” Njiru stated.

He stressed the need to safeguard the family legacy following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2025. “You and your daughter Winnie are the only remaining last line of defence in the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family,” he wrote.

Call to reject nomination

Njiru advised Ida Odinga to rely only on a specific group of senior opposition leaders for guidance. He named James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, Millie Odhiambo, Otiende Amollo, Okongo Omogeni and Senator Onyonka as the individuals whose counsel she should trust.

“Mama, if you are to trust any advice from anyone, then I urge you only to trust these individuals. The rest are sellouts; need I mention them? Stand with the people,” he added.

In an earlier post dated January 24, 2026, Njiru intensified his appeal, urging Ida Odinga not to compromise her public standing. “Mama Ida, Mama Wa Taifa, don’t let Kasongo drag you into the depths of despair. You’ve led a life of unwavering dignity, tirelessly championing transformative change across our nation. Don’t tarnish that remarkable legacy by grasping at a poisoned chalice that could undermine everything you’ve built,” he stated.

He further warned against what he described as manipulative political tactics. “Remember, you’re far too wise and resilient to fall prey to William Ruto’s shadowy manipulations, actions that have often raised eyebrows, from questionable alliances to policies that seem to prioritize personal gain over the people’s welfare. Stay true to your principles, and let doubt linger over his true intentions,” Njiru wrote.

ODM leaders weigh in

Njiru’s remarks align with concerns raised by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi. Speaking to ODM officials in Vihiga County on January 24, 2026, Osotsi urged Ida Odinga to reject the nomination, saying her stature placed her above such a role.

“We have seen President William Ruto appointing Mama Ida Odinga as Ambassador. We are asking our lovely mama Idah to reject that offer. Idah is very prominent and in an above-ambassador position,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of attempting to weaken and divide ODM by offering appointments and incentives to its leaders. He warned that ODM figures opposed to closer engagement with UDA were facing efforts to sideline them.

Nomination awaits Parliament

Ida Odinga’s nomination was formally announced on January 23, 2026, by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. In the statement, the President exercised his prerogative to nominate “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 cited her long-standing advocacy against authoritarianism, and her work in promoting freedom of expression, gender equity and education. The nomination has since been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval in line with constitutional procedures.