How politicians have mourned the death of late MP Dalmas Otieno
By Joel Masibo, September 8, 2025Kenyan leaders across the political divide have all come together in mourning the death of former Rongo Member of Parliament Dalmas Otieno, who died on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his Nairobi home, at the age of 80 years.
The late was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Rongo in 1988.
Dalmas Otieno also served as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1999. In the same year, Otieno served as Minister of Labour & Human Resource Development and as Minister of Transport from 1991 to 1996.
In the hotly contested 2007 general election, Dalmas Otieno vied for the Rongo parliamentary seat, where he won under the ticket of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with Raila Odinga as the opposition leader.
After the 2007-2008 post-election violence, Odinga was appointed prime minister in April 2008 in a power-sharing deal with Mwai Kibaki as the president. At the same time, serving as Supervisor and Coordinator of a national unity coalition government, Dalmas was appointed the Minister of State for Public Service.
In 2014, Dalmas Otieno unsuccessfully challenged Raila Odinga with his own political outfit named Kalausi, a whirlwind meant to rival the ODM chief in South Nyanza. This saw him break ranks with most officials and members of the ODM party from the Luo Nyanza region, which eventually culminated in his loss to his nemesis, Paul Abuor, in the ODM primaries in 2017.
He later unsuccessfully vied for Rongo MP in 2017 as an independent candidate.
Condolences galore
As a sign of burying the hatchet, ODM leader Raila Odinga was quick to send his message of condolence to Dalmas Otieno’s family, describing him as a committed public servant.
”Mama Ida and I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango with profound sadness. He was a committed public servant who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Raila said.
In his message, President William Ruto mourned Dalmas Otieno, saying he was a leader who served the public with honour.
”Kenya has lost a visionary leader. Waziri Dalmas Otieno served our nation with honour, integrity, and distinction. He was sharp, progressive, and industrious; a statesman whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations. His passing is a great loss to our country. May God grant his family, friends and people of Rongo strength at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Waziri Dalmas,” the Head of State said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya has lost a remarkable leader in the passing of Dalmas Otieno, a statesman whose devotion to public service left a lasting mark on our nation.
”I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and relatives during this time of grief. Hon. Dalmas embodied diligence, integrity, and vision in public service. I had the privilege of serving with him in the Cabinet, where I witnessed firsthand his unmatched commitment, discipline, and passion for the progress of our country. His work ethic and sense of duty set an example for many of us in leadership. His legacy of service, humility, and patriotism will continue to inspire generations to come. I pray that the Almighty grants his family strength and peace during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in eternal serenity.”
Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma: ”I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango, former MP for Rongo Constituency and former Minister. Dalmas was an avid debater with vast knowledge in politics and governance. Rest in eternal peace Waziri.”
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya said: ”I join Kenyans in mourning the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a leader of rare integrity, calm wisdom, and true statesmanship. From Parliament to Cabinet, he served this nation with honor, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to public good. His legacy will continue to inspire us as leaders and as a country.”
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed: ”I have received with profound sadness the passing on of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango, former Rongo MP and Minister in multiple Kenyan regimes. I extend my condolences to the family during this difficult time of grief and loss.”
Eldas MP Adan Keynan: ”It is with profound sorrow that I have received the news of the passing of the former Cabinet Minister, Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished statesman and vibrant public servant who devoted the greater part of his life to the noble service of our nation.”
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi: ”It is with a heavy heart that I join the Nation in mourning the passing on of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango; former Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Industrialization, and Labour. May his soul find Eternal Peace.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula: ”I have learnt with deep sorrow of the passing on of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished leader, seasoned legislator, and statesman whose contribution to Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape will be fondly remembered. Hon. Otieno served the nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Cabinet Minister and a long-serving Member of Parliament. His calm demeanor, intellect, and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership. On behalf of the National Assembly and indeed the Parliament fraternity, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Rongo Constituency, who for many years entrusted him with leadership. Kenya has lost a true son who dedicated his life to public service, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May the Almighty God grant his family strength and comfort during this difficult time. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”