Raila sends moving tribute after Dalmas Otieno’s death
By Kiprono Keileb, September 7, 2025Raila Odinga has joined President William Ruto and other leaders in mourning the death of former Rongo MP and Cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno Anyango, who passed away at his Karen home.
In a statement posted on his X on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Odinga described Dalmas as a statesman whose career left a lasting mark on Kenya’s governance and public service.
“Mama Ida and I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango with profound sadness,” Raila said, noting that the country had lost a leader whose commitment to duty was evident throughout his decades in leadership.
Dalmas Otieno, who served as Minister for Industrialisation, Labour, and Transport in the KANU administration, and later as Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government, was widely regarded as one of the most composed and independent-minded figures of his time.
Hail his contribution to public service
Raila pointed to his integrity and dedication to effective governance as the hallmark of his political journey.
“He was a committed public servant who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance,” he said.
The ODM leader added that Dalmas’s service extended beyond the titles he held, reflecting a broader philosophy that saw leadership as a responsibility to uplift communities and improve institutions. His role in Parliament, the Cabinet, and in shaping policy during turbulent moments in the country’s history cemented his place as one of the respected voices in national politics.
In his message of comfort, Raila emphasised that the loss was not just for Dalmas’s immediate family but for the wider community in Rongo, Migori County, and across Kenya.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County,” he wrote.
The death of Dalmas has drawn messages of sympathy from across the political divide, reflecting his stature as a leader who was respected beyond party lines. His quiet but firm approach to politics earned him the reputation of a statesman who valued results over rhetoric.
Raila concluded his tribute with prayers for Dalmas’s soul: “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
As Kenya reflects on the passing of Dalmas Otieno, his legacy in public service stands as a testament to the enduring values of dignity, efficiency, and principled leadership that he upheld throughout his career.