Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has cautioned Ida Odinga against accepting President William Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), describing the appointment as politically risky.

In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, January 23, 2026, Njiru appealed directly to Ida Odinga, urging her to reject what he termed a calculated political move by Ruto’s administration.

“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.

Family legacy protection

He positioned Ida and her daughter Winnie Odinga as the remaining defenders of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family legacy following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in November 2025.

“You and your daughter Winnie are the only remaining last line of defence in the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family,” he said.

He further advised Ida Odinga to seek counsel only from a select group of senior opposition figures, naming Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Kisii Senator Okongo Omogeni, and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Onyonka, while dismissing other political voices as untrustworthy.

“Mama, if you are to trust any advice from anyone, then I urge you only trust these individuals,” Njiru stated.

“The rest are sellouts, need I mention them? Stand with the people,” he added.

Formal nomination

The nomination was announced on Friday, January 23, 2026, by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the decision honours Ida Odinga’s 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,” it added.

Koskei said the nomination has been submitted to the National Assembly for review and approval, in line with constitutional procedures governing Foreign Service appointments.