Mama Ida Odinga has dismissed criticism surrounding her recent appointment as a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ambassador, saying she remains firm and undeterred despite intense public attention.
It was her first public appearance since President William Ruto named her to the UNEP role, an appointment that has triggered wide debate across political and social platforms.
Addressing the congregation, Mama Ida framed the appointment as an honour and stressed that intimidation would not define her response to the moment.
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“Thank you to those who have congratulated me. To me, this is an honour. No one will intimidate me. No one will frighten me because the Lord is my shepherd,” she said, citing Psalms 23.
Her remarks came against the backdrop of sustained public scrutiny, with her name dominating political discourse following the announcement.
Mama Ida acknowledged that the attention has been relentless, noting that personal loss and public judgment have become part of her everyday reality.
Mama Ida said the loss of her husband and the questions surrounding her nomination are struggles she continues to confront daily.
“I walk with my head high. I talk with confidence because the Lord is with me. He prepares the table for me before my enemies. Every time I turn on the TV or open the newspaper, it’s Ida Odinga. But I do not fear. God is with me,” she added.