President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga for a significant diplomatic role. She is the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away in October 2025.

The President wants her to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

However, political commentator Nuru Okanga has voiced strong opposition to the move. He took to Facebook to advise the matriarch against accepting the position.

Okanga’s intervention highlights the political tensions surrounding the Odinga family and the current administration.

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Nuru Okanga has urged Ida Odinga to reject President Ruto's nomination // Facebook

“A Trap” for the Matriarch

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Okanga’s message was blunt and direct. He warned Dr Odinga that the job offer might not be what it seems. In his social media post, he urged her to maintain her distance from the President.

“Mama yangu, Idah Odinga, don’t take that job, it’s a trap. Kaa mbali na Ruto, we still need you to save ODM,” Nuru Okanga advised.

ALSO READ: President Ruto Nominates Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador to UNEP

The commentator believes that Dr Odinga’s presence is required at home. He specifically mentioned the need for her to “save” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

This comes at a time when the party is navigating a transition following the death of its long-time leader.

Nuru Okanga has urged Ida Odinga to reject President Ruto's nomination // Facebook

The Details of the Nomination

The nomination was announced on Friday, 23 January 2026. It was formalised through Presidential Action No. III of 2026. Chief of Staff Felix Koskei signed the document.

If she accepts, Dr Odinga will lead Kenya’s diplomatic efforts on global environmental issues. The UNEP headquarters are based in Nairobi.

The government believes her appointment will strengthen Kenya’s voice in international environmental diplomacy.

Background and Credentials

Dr Odinga is a veteran educationist and a champion for social justice. She taught for many years at Highway Secondary School and Kenya High School. In the 1990s, she was a key figure in the movement for multiparty democracy. She also founded the League of Kenya Women Voters.

In 2018, she received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), which is Kenya’s highest civilian honour.She has also held leadership roles in family businesses like East African Spectre.

Nuru Okanga has urged Ida Odinga to reject President Ruto's nomination // Facebook

Political Timeline and Context

The timing of this appointment is notable. It comes barely three months after the death of Raila Odinga on 15 October 2025. This has sparked discussions about the future of the Odinga family’s political lineage.

The National Assembly must now vet and approve the nomination before it is confirmed. If she takes the role, it will blend her background in civil society with high-level international diplomacy.

However, for commentators like Okanga, the priority remains the stability of the opposition party.