‘She talks with calculation’: Bensuda steals spotlight in Ida Odinga debate

Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno, popularly known as Bensuda/HANDOUT

The Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda ensured the debate on Ida Odinga’s nomination did not pass quietly in the National Assembly.

She delivered one of the most animated contributions as Members considered Ida Odinga’s approval as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Bensuda opened with a line that immediately drew attention across the chamber.

“To the excellency, the late Doctor Raila Amolo Odinga passed on when he had a woman, not women. A woman, not women...”

From the outset, her remarks blended tribute, reflection and personal emphasis, setting a tone that stood apart from routine parliamentary interventions.

She thanked the Speaker before shifting to the subject of the day.

“Thank you, honourable Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to also add my voice to the most distinguished canon, Ida Doctor Betty Odinga, for being nominated to this position.”

Bensuda also acknowledged President William Ruto, framing the nomination within a broader conversation about women’s leadership.

“Allow me also to recognise and appreciate President Ruto as a scholar who saw it wise that a scholar deserves that position, and also saw the need that women are capable and competent.”

Her address repeatedly returned to what she termed Ida’s “presentability”, a word she used to describe character, intellect and public presence.

“I rise to talk about Canon Ida Betty Odinga on her presentability,” she said.

Bensuda then turned to a more personal reflection.

“There are some men you can take care of them, and they don’t take care of you. So, which means, in the family of the Enigma who passed on, it was a two-way traffic.”

Her depiction of Ida Odinga leaned heavily on observation and imagery.

“I can demystify in terms of her intellect, how she presents herself. Go to her house, and see how she even prepared food. Look at her turtle dressing. Look at her words.”

The remarks drew a visible reaction.

“She doesn’t dig the words. She talks with calculation, with a lot of psychological influence and intelligence.”

Members cheered and laughed as she continued her praise, punctuating what had become one of the more talked-about speeches of the sitting.

For a brief moment, Bensuda’s microphone went silent. She sought permission to proceed, then resumed without altering her rhythm.

“When she’s going to present and represent this nation, we have just gotten it right.”

Beyond the nomination itself, Bensuda used her time to reflect on perceptions of women.

“I want to say that I know at times we women, we are being mistaken for jealousy, that women are their own weapons.”

She urged recognition of Ida Odinga’s role following the death of Raila Odinga.

“When we lost our Enigma, she gave this nation ample time and freedom to mourn Jakom Raila. May his soul rest in peace.”

Closing her remarks, Bensuda offered gratitude to the Speaker and a suggestion.

“Honourable Speaker, you have improved this parliament, and I want to thank you so much. Organise a real dinner in honour of Ida Odinga.”

Ida Odinga’s nomination was approved by the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee on February 25, 2026. The report now awaits debate and a final vote in plenary.