President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, the widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The nomination was announced on Friday by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the President had exercised his constitutional mandate to appoint Ida in recognition of her long record of public service and advocacy.

In a statement, Koskei described Ida as a leader whose work reflects commitment to social justice, gender equality and education, noting that her career has been defined by standing up against injustice and promoting inclusive national development.

“His Excellency the President has caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to UNEP,” the statement read in part.

The nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, as required under the Constitution before she can formally assume office.

If approved, Ida will represent Kenya at UNEP, whose global headquarters are based in Gigiri, Nairobi, making it the only UN agency headquartered in a developing country.

The government says her appointment is expected to bolster Kenya’s engagement in international environmental diplomacy and strengthen its influence in global conversations on climate change and sustainable development.

Koskei added that the nomination fits into the President’s broader strategy of positioning Kenya more effectively within multilateral institutions, particularly on environmental protection.

Ida’s nomination comes against a politically sensitive backdrop, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) navigating internal divisions following the death of Raila Odinga in October last year.

The move is also likely to draw mixed political reactions as ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) explore the possibility of a pre-election arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The development follows a recent diplomatic reshuffle announced earlier this week, in which Ababu Namwamba was reassigned from UNEP to serve as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, while Joash Maangi was moved from Kampala to Brussels as Kenya’s envoy to the European Union.

Ida’s appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.