Leaders pay moving tributes to former Minister Dalmas Otieno
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 7, 2025Veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno Anyango has died. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his son, Eddy, who confirmed that his father passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home in Nairobi at the age of 80.
His death has triggered widespread mourning across the political spectrum. Leaders from government and opposition described him as a statesman whose intellect and service shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, stated that he worked with Otieno for over three decades.
“I first knew Dalmas during my university student days and later developed a close working relationship with him that spanned over three decades. Most recently, we collaborated on the conceptualisation of the Nyanza International Investment Conference,” he stated.
“His passing has robbed Kenya of one of the most brilliant minds of our generation. At this moment of grief, I stand in solidarity with his family, the people of Rongo, and Kenyans at large as we mourn the loss of a gallant son of our beloved nation.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also paid tribute, noting his steady hand in politics.
“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. His calm demeanour, intellect, and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership,” Wetang’ula said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir described him as an eminent figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle.
“Hon. Dalmas Otieno served our country with great distinction, leaving behind a legacy of principled leadership, wisdom, and dedication. His contributions to national unity and public service will be remembered for generations to come,” Nassir said.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris remembered him as a transformative leader.
“His legacy of public service and transformative leadership, especially within Rongo Constituency, will be remembered with reverence and gratitude. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she stated.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura recalled serving with him in the 11th Parliament.
“A very intelligent and meticulous leader, Hon. Dalmas Otieno and I served together. He was a long-serving Cabinet Minister and at some point Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Dalmas Otieno’s political journey
Born in 1945, Otieno built a long and distinguished career in public service. He entered national politics in 1988 under controversial circumstances, reportedly rigged in as Rongo MP on a KANU ticket, replacing his cousin, Linus Aluoch Polo alias Polo Piach, a Ford Kenya stalwart.
Despite this turbulent beginning, Otieno quickly rose through the ranks, earning a cabinet position under President Daniel arap Moi. His technocratic competence and calm demeanor earned him the moniker, ” Wacho gi Gitimo(loosely translated as saying and actioning”.
During Moi’s regime, Otieno held several influential portfolios, including Minister Trade and Industrialization from 1998 to 1991 and for Transport 1991 to 1996 and Communications, under Moi and also Public Service docket during President Mwai Kibaki reign, this navigating through an era defined by authoritarianism and growing clamor for multiparty democracy.
He also served as the Vice Chair of Salary and Remuneration committee chaired by Sarah Serem, before he resigned to run for elective office in vein.
Although he lost his parliamentary seat in the 1997 and 2002 elections, he returned to politics in 2007 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. In the Grand Coalition Government, he was appointed Minister of State for Public Service by then-President Mwai Kibaki on the recommendation of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In 2014, Otieno broke ranks with ODM and attempted to build an independent political movement in Luo Nyanza. His aim was to reduce ODM’s dominance in the region, but the initiative gradually faded. Even so, he remained a respected voice in national debates and a figure of influence in Migori County.
At present, the family is meeting in Nairobi and is expected to issue a detailed statement on funeral arrangements. Reports suggest Otieno had been unwell before his death.