MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Ida Odinga, has asked political leaders to stop linking her to ongoing political discussions, saying she remains in mourning following the death of her husband, Raila Odinga.
Speaking at the Third Women in Procurement and Supply Chain Management Conference in Mombasa, Ida said she has not taken part in any political engagements since her husband’s death.
“When I lost my husband, Honourable Raila Odinga, I was still in a state of mourning,” she said. “That was very important to me, and therefore I was not able to come out and participate in the political arrangement that you are talking about.”
She stressed that despite her close ties to political figures, she does not consider herself a politician.
“Personally, I am not a politician, and I hope you know that,” she said. “My husband was, my daughter is, my brother-in-law is, but I am an industrialist.”
Her remarks come amid ongoing debate over the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Succession questions have persisted since Raila Odinga’s death.
Ida has largely stayed out of the discussions. However, her daughter, Winnie Odinga, has expressed interest in a leadership role within the party.
Other family members remain active in politics. These include Oburu Oginga, who now leads ODM, and Ruth Odinga, a member of the party’s National Executive Council.
Ida’s statement follows her recent appointment by President William Ruto as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme.
The appointment was confirmed in a gazette notice dated February 27, 2026. It followed her vetting and approval by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.
During her appearance before the committee, she outlined priorities to strengthen Kenya’s engagement in global environmental programmes. The agenda signalled a shift toward diplomatic service.
Her remarks underline a clear position. She intends to remain outside active politics despite continued public interest in her family’s influence.
