Lang’ata Member of Parliament Hon. Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, today paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Ida Odinga (Mama Ida) at her new office following her recent appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Photos and videos circulating on social media captured the warm encounter between the two, with Jalang’o seen engaging in cordial discussions with the widow of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
The visit comes at a time when political alignments in Kenya continue to shift, especially after the passing of Raila Odinga, who remained a towering figure in the nation’s politics.
Sources close to the meeting described it as a courtesy call focused on congratulations and continued engagement.
Jalang’o, who has represented Lang’ata constituency, used the opportunity to acknowledge Mama Ida’s new diplomatic role, which places her at the forefront of Kenya’s environmental and international advocacy.
UNEP, headquartered in Nairobi, plays a critical global role in climate action, sustainable development, and environmental governance a portfolio many observers believe suits Mama Ida’s experience and public stature.
The meeting carries symbolic weight given the history between Jalang’o and the Odinga family. In previous years, particularly around the 2022 elections and subsequent realignments, Jalang’o faced questions over his political loyalty after working closely with the government of President William Ruto.
There were reported moments of tension, including public remarks from Mama Ida expressing disappointment over perceived shifts away from the ODM fold. However, today’s engagement signals a possible thawing of relations and a focus on mutual respect and national service.
During the visit, the Lang’ata MP and Mama Ida exchanged pleasantries amid a relaxed atmosphere. Supporters on social media have interpreted the meeting variously some seeing it as a statesmanlike gesture of unity, while others view it as standard political networking in Kenya’s fluid landscape.
Arnold Maliba, a governance expert has stated that most of the ODM elected leaders are going to visit Mama Ida Odinga for political confrontation.
“They Will do it for Political mileage.”