Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran politician Dalmas Otieno Anyango, describing him as a distinguished leader whose service shaped Kenya’s development and democracy.

“It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished leader who served his country with dedication and humility,” Kenyatta said in a statement released on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Kenyatta praised Otieno as an exemplary statesman whose career in public service spanned decades. He noted that the former minister’s calm demeanor, wisdom, and commitment to dialogue made him a leader who always placed Kenya’s unity and progress above all else.

“Hon. Otieno was an exemplary statesman whose career in public service spanned decades. As a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, he made immense contributions to our nation’s social and economic development. His calm demeanor, wisdom, and commitment to dialogue set him apart as a leader who always placed Kenya’s unity and progress above all else,” Kenyatta added.

The former president extended heartfelt condolences to Otieno’s family, friends, and the people of Rongo and Migori County. He said the late politician’s life was one of purpose, service, and honour, leaving a legacy that would inspire future generations.

Veteran leader’s political journey

Dalmas Otieno was born in 1945 and entered national politics in 1988 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding several key cabinet positions, including Minister for Industrialisation and Minister for Transport. During the Grand Coalition Government, he served as Minister of State for Public Service under President Mwai Kibaki, on the recommendation of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Although he lost his parliamentary seat in 1997 and 2002, Otieno returned to politics in 2007 on an ODM ticket. In 2014, he broke away from ODM and attempted to build an independent political movement in Luo Nyanza. The initiative eventually lost momentum, but he remained a respected voice in national debates and a prominent figure in Migori County.

His passing has drawn tributes from leaders across Kenya. President William Ruto described Otieno as “sharp, progressive, and industrious; a statesman whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations.” Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called him a remarkable leader whose diligence, integrity, and vision left a lasting mark on the country.