NAIROBI, Kenya — Ida Odinga, widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, appeared before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Friday for vetting as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
During the hearing, she spoke about her upbringing, professional journey, and ambitions for the role.
Odinga revealed her net worth at Sh500 million, highlighting transparency as part of the vetting process.
She recounted growing up in Kabarnet, Gem, and Migori, where her father served as a medical officer and her mother as a nurse.
Losing her father at a young age, she was raised by her mother alongside her siblings.
Ida Odinga: My net worth is Ksh.500 million
Ida holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Nairobi, which she said exposed her to environmental issues and informed her passion for sustainable development.
“For most of my life, I have often found myself in peculiar spaces that needed a bold voice,” she told the committee, emphasizing that her experiences have prepared her for the complex responsibilities at UNEP.
Odinga has dedicated her life to advocacy, focusing on women in leadership, girl child education, and nutrition, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations across Africa.
Ida Odinga: How we manage or mismanage our environment will determine the quality of life we live. I intend to help stop the destruction of our planet and pursue all related priorities
She said her journey has instilled a commitment to address environmental challenges at both national and global levels.
“If approved, I intend to do my level best to stop the destruction of our planet and pursue all related priorities,” she said, stressing the link between environmental management and the quality of life for communities worldwide.
She expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for her nomination and paid tribute to her late husband, Raila, describing him as her “biggest supporter” and a key influence in shaping her career and personal growth.
