Empowerment Christian Church Reverend Lucy Natasha has extended heartfelt congratulations to the widow of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, following her nomination as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by President William Ruto.
In a statement on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Natasha hailed the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Mama Ida’s leadership, wisdom, and long-standing commitment to service.
“Congratulations, Mama Ida Odinga, on your nomination as the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” she wrote.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of your leadership, wisdom, and commitment to service,” she added.
She also prayed for strength, grace, and divine favour for Mama Ida as she takes on her new role, urging God to guide her in representing Kenya with excellence on the global stage.
In a statement on Friday, January 23, 2026, the head of state said the nomination was made in the exercise of the presidential prerogative vested in him under the Constitution and in line with the established procedures governing appointments to the Foreign Service.
“HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of CANON DR. IDA BETTY ODINGA, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” read the notice in part.
The President transmitted the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by law.
“IN FULL FULFILMENT of the constitutional requirements on State appointments to the Foreign Service, HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has transmitted the nomination of CANON DR. IDA BETTY ODINGA, E.G.H., to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament.”
