Ida Odinga: My Net Worth is Sh500 Million

Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has disclosed a personal net worth of Sh500 million during her vetting for the position of Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, Odinga clarified that the amount pertains to her individual assets, separate from the broader Odinga family holdings. The vetting session, which lasted less than an hour, provided a platform for her to discuss her professional background, academic qualifications, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Odinga emphasised her belief in the importance of protecting Kenya’s natural resources, stressing that the country's future prosperity relies on sustainable management of the environment. She highlighted her past experiences with the detrimental effects of environmental degradation on vulnerable communities and pledged to use the UNEP role to advocate for sustainable practices.

During the session, Odinga also paid tribute to her late husband, Raila Odinga, describing him as her greatest supporter throughout their 52-year marriage. Fighting back emotion, she credited him with shaping her aspirations and providing unwavering support throughout her public life.

In addition, Odinga expressed her gratitude to President William Ruto for nominating her for the diplomatic role and acknowledged the messages of goodwill she had received from Kenyans since her nomination. Her daughter, Rosemary Odinga, and lawyer Makau Mutua accompanied her during the vetting.

Beyond her political and diplomatic pursuits, Odinga spoke of her philanthropic work, particularly through the Ida Odinga Trust, which helps young mothers return to education. If approved, Odinga will represent Kenya at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, a key position in global discussions on climate change and sustainability.