Wafula Buke Defends Ida Odinga’s UNEP Appointment, Urges Critics to Respect Years of Sacrifice

 

Ida Odinga. Photo/Courtesy 

Former ODM executive director Wafula Buke has come out strongly to defend Ida Odinga following her recent appointment to a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) role, arguing that critics are overlooking decades of personal sacrifice and unpaid public service.

In a lengthy social media post, Buke framed Ida Odinga’s decision to take up the UNEP position as a human and rational choice rather than a political betrayal. 

He drew parallels with Kenya’s liberation history, recalling how veteran freedom fighter Achieng’ Oneko faced criticism in the 1990s for engaging President Daniel arap Moi, only for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to publicly shield him from attacks.

Buke argued that Ida Odinga fits into the same category of historical figures whose contributions go beyond formal employment or salaried positions. 

He rejected claims that Ida had been “jobless” before the UNEP appointment, insisting that her role in the opposition struggle, especially during Raila Odinga’s detention years, amounted to patriotic service.

According to Buke, Ida Odinga’s professional life as a teacher was effectively disrupted by state persecution linked to her husband’s political activism. 

He noted that during the KANU era, association with opposition figures carried severe social and economic consequences, including isolation, loss of opportunities, and constant state surveillance.

The former ODM official also referenced the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) era, recalling that Ida Odinga declined a proposed monthly allowance for spouses of top leaders during the Kibaki–Raila power-sharing period, citing public interest concerns.

Buke used personal experiences to illustrate the stigma faced by individuals involved in political struggle without formal pay, describing how “joblessness” was often weaponised to humiliate activists and their families. 

He argued that Kenyan society has failed to properly value unpaid political and civic labour.

On the political implications of Ida Odinga’s UNEP role, Buke acknowledged that her move could limit her ability to play a direct leadership role within ODM. 

However, he maintained that there comes a point when long-serving activists are entitled to step back and secure stability, both for themselves and their families.

He compared Ida Odinga’s decision to similar choices made by former detainees and opposition figures who later softened their stance toward the state after years of sacrifice.

Buke concluded by urging Kenyans to temper their criticism, arguing that Ida Odinga has “abandoned a bigger moral and historical role” for public service at UNEP, and that her years of resilience and loyalty to the struggle deserve recognition rather than condemnation.