Nairobi Hairdresser Reveals Amount Ida Odinga Gave Her After Plaiting Her Hair

A Nairobi hairdresser says a routine appointment with Ida Odinga ended in a surprise she didn’t see coming.

Jonaice Masaki, who goes by the same name on TikTok, shared her story on Saturday, October 24, 2026. She had plaited Ida’s hair in a simple style, and when it came time to pay, Ida handed her KSh30,000, far more than the job would normally cost.

Masaki understood right away that the money was meant as encouragement, not payment.

“Asante Mama Ida Odinga,” she wrote, explaining that the amount was given purely as support. She added that she was overwhelmed with happiness and sent a prayer asking God to bless Ida in everything she does.

Her video shows the session itself. Ida sits calmly while Masaki carefully arranges the braids, and at the end, Ida checks her reflection in a mirror as Masaki smooths the finished look with gel.

Ida currently serves as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is based in Nairobi.

President William Ruto appointed her in February 2026 after the National Assembly approved her nomination, and Parliament pointed to her leadership experience, environmental advocacy and integrity.

She presented her credentials to the UN Office at Nairobi Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura on April 8, 2026.

Her public life has continued despite a deep personal loss. Her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, died on October 15, 2025, at age 80 while receiving treatment in India.

He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. He was buried at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025.

For Masaki, the day turned a simple hairstyle into a moment she was eager to share and thank Ida for.

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