Kenya’s Parliament has invited the public to submit views on the nomination of Ida Betty Odinga as Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), setting the stage for a closely watched vetting process.

In a notice issued on Thursday, February 12, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, asked citizens to present written submissions on her suitability for the diplomatic post. The role is based in Nairobi, where UNEP has its global headquarters.

The invitation opens a formal public participation window, a constitutional requirement for senior state appointments.

A high-profile nomination

President William Ruto nominated Mrs Odinga on January 23. The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, said the appointment recognised her long record in education and women’s advocacy.

He described her career as “a testament to the highest ideals of selfless leadership”, citing her work in advancing girls’ education and women’s empowerment.

Mrs Odinga, widely known as Mama Ida, is a seasoned educationist and the spouse of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. Her nomination has drawn political interest at a time when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is navigating its relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Both parties have signalled openness to closer cooperation ahead of the 2027 general election, building on their post-2022 working arrangement. Within ODM, however, there are differing views on how closely the party should align itself with the government.

The vetting process

Mrs Odinga is scheduled to appear before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Friday, February 20, at 10:00 am at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall.

On the same morning, Francis Meja, nominated as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), will face the Departmental Committee on Labour at Bunge Tower.

Members of the public who wish to challenge the suitability of either nominee must submit sworn affidavits with supporting evidence. Submissions must reach the Clerk’s office by 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 19.

They may be sent by email or delivered physically to Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.

Both nominees are required to present original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, and testimonials during the hearings. They must also secure clearance from seven institutions, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, among others.

Balancing politics and public service

Supporters of Mrs Odinga point to her decades of work in education and community development. Critics, however, argue that high-profile political affiliations can complicate perceptions of diplomatic appointments.

For Parliament, the task will be to weigh her professional record against the legal and ethical standards required for public office.

The coming hearings are likely to draw national attention. For now, lawmakers are asking citizens to have their say.