The family of veteran politician Dalmas Otieno Anyango has outlined a detailed programme of events leading to his burial, following his death on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his Kileleshwa home in Nairobi.

The 80-year-old former Rongo Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister will be laid to rest on October 2, 2025, at his Kangeso home in Rongo, Migori County.

Family spokesperson Odoyo Willy confirmed the burial date during a briefing at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.

“It is confirmed that the burial date will be October 2, 2025, at his Kangeso home in Rongo, Migori County,” he said, noting that preparations were ongoing in both Nairobi and Migori.

“We are meeting daily at the Kileleshwa house… just to bring the burial to a success and see that we give Dalmas a perfect sendoff,” he added.

Life of service

Born on April 19, 1945, in Kangeso village, Otieno rose from modest beginnings to become one of Kenya’s most respected leaders. He studied Applied Economics at Makerere University and later became a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London.

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His leadership extended into finance as chair of Kenya Commercial Bank and treasurer of Kenyatta University Council before he entered politics.

Otieno was first elected Rongo MP in 1988 on a KANU ticket and was swiftly appointed Minister for Industrialisation, then Labour and Human Resource Development, and later Transport.

He returned to Parliament in 2007 on an ODM ticket, serving as Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government, where he spearheaded reforms such as raising the civil service retirement age and digitising operations.

In 2014, he launched the Kalausi movement to challenge ODM’s dominance in Luo Nyanza. He later served as Vice-Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission until 2022, earning an honorary Doctor of Arts from Rongo University in 2025.

Leaders pay tribute

Tributes poured in from leaders across the divide. ODM leader Raila Odinga described him as a “committed public servant who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance.”

President William Ruto hailed him as a “visionary leader” who served with “honour, integrity, and distinction.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi remembered his “diligence, integrity, and vision,” while Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma praised him as an “avid debater with vast knowledge in politics and governance.”

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya lauded his “rare integrity, calm wisdom, and true statesmanship.” Other leaders, including MPs Junet Mohamed, Adan Keynan, Caroli Omondi, and Speaker Moses Wetangula, echoed similar messages.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described him as a “thorough and conscientious leader” whose good deeds live on.

His burial on October 2 is expected to draw leaders, friends, and citizens alike, as the country bids farewell to a statesman remembered for his service, resilience, and commitment to reform.