DNK International By Tobby Otum,Mombasa.
Kenyan environmental activist Phyllis Omido has casted doubt whether Ida Odinga who has been nominated to be Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has negotiated any environmental issues on behalf of the country.
She said it is likely her appointment was due to political influence.
“The country’s environmental challenges are vast and it requires a competent policy maker to be seconded to environment programme,” she pointed out.
Environmental activist Michael Nato said her appointment has regional balancing as a factor.
He argued Ida’s appointment is within President William Ruto’s wisdom and it is by extension a gift to the Luo nation saying she is a widow of their deceased kingpin, Raila Odinga.
“I believe she has the necessary qualifications for the task but it wont escape notice that it’s a carrot to entice the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) because of her family’s influence in the party,” he said.
Nato said he applauded the nomination on the front of women empowerment adding that what remains to be seen is how she shall fair in that role.
On her part, Likoni legislator Mishi JlMboko told the media as ODM party coast region women league she congratulated her on her appointment as ambassador cum Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by the head of state.
She said Ida’s appointment is historic and it deeply affirms the recognition of a woman whose life has been defined by principles of leadership and selfless service.
“And her unyielding commitment to justice, equity and national prosperity,” she added.
Mishi defended Ida’s appointment saying she is an educationist and a courageous civic leader.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala said he wondered when did Ida become mama mboga to deserve being appointed.
He lashed out at Ida’s appointment saying it is a violation of President William Ruto’s pledge on women economic empowerment at the grassroots level during his last campaign.
“The Kenya Kwanza administration should stop dishing out employment opportunities to the late Raila Odinga’s family,” he said.
At the weekend, Ida officially accepted her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
She spoke during a Sunday service at the PEFA Cathedral church along Thika Road.
She termed her nomination as an honour and thanked all those who congratulated her on her appointment.
“I will not be deterred by critics of the appointment,” she said.
[DNK-International@January 26,2026]
