The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has approved Ida Odinga’s appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs the committee, tabled the report in the House on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

“I beg to lay the following paper on the table of the House today, Tuesday, the 24th, February 2026. That is the report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the approval hearing of Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for the appointment as a Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP,” he stated.

After laying the paper, Nelson Koech further confirmed that the house committee had approved Ida Odinga’s appointment pending a full house debate scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

“This House approves the appointment of Canon Dr. Ida Odinga, EGH, as the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme,” Koech stated.

Mixed reactions over nomination

President William Ruto nominated Odinga, sparking mixed reactions. Some critics urged her to reject the role. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru warned her against accepting, calling it a politically risky trap to influence the ODM party.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, ODM’s deputy leader, said the position was too small for her stature.

“We are asking our lovely mama Idah to reject that offer. Idah is very prominent and in an above ambassador position,” he added.

Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, labelled the nomination a misplaced priority, arguing Ruto should empower ordinary women instead.

Ida Odinga dismissed the criticism and accepted the nomination.

“Thank you to those who have congratulated me. To me, this is an honour. No one will intimidate me. No one will frighten me because the Lord is my shepherd,” she declared, at a church service in late January, 2026.

The committee vetted Odinga on February 20, 2026 at Bunge Towers. She highlighted her geography teaching background and work with Wangari Maathai on tree-planting initiatives.

Odinga also revealed her net worth at Ksh500 million, including personal properties beyond the family estate. She paid tribute to Raila, calling him her biggest supporter who shaped her public life.