Ida Odinga, a Kenyan Ambassador, recently traveled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) alongside her granddaughter Saphie and personal assistant Shirley. A photo of the trio posing in front of The Vessel structure at Hudson Yards went viral, showcasing their elegant outfits. The image was shared on social media by a verified account, @abuga_makori, who described Ida as "one of the believers of President Ruto's development agenda."
The photo of Ida, Saphie, and Shirley sparked a range of reactions from Kenyans online, from admiration for Saphie's appearance to criticism of Ida's presence at UNGA. Some commenters questioned the purpose of their trip, while others praised their stylish outfits. The mixed reactions highlight the ongoing debate about the role of Kenyan officials at international events.
Ida Odinga's appearance at UNGA places her among senior Kenyan officials present for the high-level diplomatic event. Her granddaughter Saphie's presence added a personal dimension to the trip, resonating with followers online. Saphie is the daughter of Rosemary Odinga, Ida's daughter.
The Vessel, a striking honeycomb-shaped staircase structure at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, provided a unique backdrop for the trio's photo. The location is one of New York's most photographed landmarks, adding to the visual appeal of the image. Ida and Saphie's outfits were particularly notable, catching the eye of many online.
Not everyone was charmed by the outing, however. Some commenters expressed criticism, with @makongorong stating that they were "wasting taxpayers' money." Others, like @Chardodhiambo, joked about Saphie's marital status, while @gkybe expressed shame and accused Ida of "clout chasing and photo ops."
This is not the first time Ida Odinga has made headlines recently. She was also seen at a family press conference announcing the national steering committee to commemorate the first anniversary of the late Raila Odinga's passing. Rosemary Odinga, Ida's daughter and Saphie's mother, made a rare public appearance alongside her mother at the event.
The reactions to Ida and Saphie's appearance at UNGA highlight the ongoing scrutiny of Kenyan officials' public appearances. While some praised their outfits and diplomatic engagement, others criticized the perceived extravagance and questioned the purpose of their trip. The debate reflects the complex dynamics of public perception and official accountability in Kenya.
Key points
- Ida Odinga attended UNGA in New York with her granddaughter Saphie and personal assistant Shirley.
- The trio's photo in front of The Vessel structure at Hudson Yards sparked mixed reactions online.
- Ida's appearance at UNGA places her among senior Kenyan officials present for the high-level diplomatic event.
