President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the death of veteran politician and former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno Anyango, describing him as a visionary leader whose service left a lasting imprint on Kenya.

The head of state eulogised the veteran MP as a leader who served with honour and integrity, adding that his death is a loss to the nation.

“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,” Ruto said in a statement shared on X on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also paid a moving tribute, recalling their time together in government.

“Kenya has lost a remarkable leader in the passing of Hon. 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 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,” Mudavadi wrote.

Leaders pay moving tributes

The heartbreaking news of Otieno’s passing was confirmed by his son, Eddy, who revealed that the former minister died on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his Nairobi home. He was 80.

His death has triggered widespread mourning across the political spectrum, with leaders from government and opposition describing him as a statesman whose intellect and service shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, noted 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,” Owalo said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Otieno as a principled leader with the ability to bridge divides, while Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir hailed him as an eminent figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura also remembered him as a transformative and meticulous leader whose contributions would not be forgotten.

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 when he was elected Rongo MP on a KANU ticket, replacing his cousin, Linus Aluoch Polo. Despite the turbulence, he rose quickly, earning a cabinet position under President Daniel arap Moi.

Otieno went on to hold several influential portfolios, including Trade and Industrialization (1988–1991), Transport (1991–1996), and Communications. Under President Mwai Kibaki, he served as Minister of Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government, having won the Rongo seat on an ODM ticket in 2007.

In 2014, Otieno broke ranks with ODM and sought to build an alternative political movement in Luo Nyanza, an initiative that later fizzled but cemented his reputation as an independent-minded leader.

Family sources say he had been unwell prior to his death. Relatives are currently meeting in Nairobi and are expected to release details of funeral arrangements in the coming days.