Veteran politician and former minister Dalmas Otieno dies at 80
Otieno was first elected as the MP for Rongo in 1988, serving as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, then later that year as Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development and as Minister of Transport from 1991 to 1996.
Veteran politician and ex-cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno is dead.
Otieno, who served as Rongo MP for several terms and also as cabinet minister in various portfolios, died on Sunday morning, according to family reports.
More To Read
- ODM MCAs in Mombasa defy party headquarters over county assembly leadership change
- ODM announces it will field candidates in all 22 upcoming by-elections
- Raila moves to quell ODM storm, chairs meeting to end internal rift over Ruto alliance
- Raila Odinga says 2027 presidential bid still undecided, focused on strengthening ODM
- Gladys Boss: Raila Odinga has played crucial role in ensuring Kenya's peace, political stability
- ODM moves to quell tension in party, denies endorsing Sakaja's reelection bid
The veteran politician is said to have passed away at the age of 80 at his Kileleshwa home in Nairobi. It has still not been revealed what is the cause of his demise.
Mourning his death, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said he had learnt of Otieno's demise with deep sorrow.
He eulogised Otieno as a distinguished leader, seasoned legislator, and statesman whose contribution to Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape will be fondly remembered.
"Hon Otieno served the nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Cabinet Minister and a long-serving Member of Parliament. His calm demeanour, intellect, and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership," Wetang'ula said.
"On behalf of the National Assembly and indeed the Parliament fraternity, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Rongo Constituency, who for many years entrusted him with leadership. Kenya has lost a true son who dedicated his life to public service, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May the Almighty God grant his family strength and comfort during this difficult time. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace."
Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo described the MP as an exceptionally brilliant and composed leader.
"Otieno was an exceptionally brilliant and composed leader - articulate, visionary, and a shrewd businessman with an unwavering passion for socio-economic development. He was also a pioneer entrepreneur in both the insurance and banking sectors," wrote Owalo.
He went ahead to note that the passing of the politician has robbed Kenya of one of the most brilliant minds.
"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," said Owalo.
Otieno was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Rongo in 1988, serving as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, then later that year as Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development and as Minister of Transport from 1991 to 1996.
He joined the main opposition candidate in the 2007 presidential election, Raila Odinga, successfully running for the Member of Parliament for Rongo.
Following a violence-marred election and post-poll crisis, Odinga was appointed prime minister in April 2008 in a power-sharing deal with Mwai Kibaki, serving as supervisor and coordinator of a national unity coalition government.
Otieno was appointed as the Minister of State for Public Service.
In the subsequent presidential election, he retained his seat again. In 2014, Otieno unsuccessfully tried to create his own political outfit named Kalausi, meaning whirlwind to rival the ODM party as a quest to emancipate the people of South Nyanza, this saw him break ranks with most officials and members of the Orange party from the Luo Nyanza region which eventually culminated in his loss to his nemesis Paul Abuor in the ODM primaries in 2017.
Top Stories Today
