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Former minister Dalmas Otieno is dead
Dalmas Otieno during a media briefing on November 20, 2019.
Former Cabinet Minister and veteran politician Dalmas Otieno is dead.
Otieno, who served as Rongo MP, died in Nairobi on Sunday. Family and relatives gathered at his Kangeso village home in Migori County to console his family.
His younger brother Maurice Ariyo remembered him as a champion of education.
“During his leadership, all students would go to school, and many proceeded to tertiary education,” Mr Ariyo said, noting that the politician personally supported numerous learners in the constituency by paying their fees.
Among his initiatives were the establishment of Rongo University and Siala Technical Training Institute.
Dalmas also played a key role in fostering peace. At the village, he was revered as a “ruoth” or “ogai” (peace maker). Neighbours described him as a judge who used his skills to resolve communal disputes.
“He was part of the peace negotiations during the formation of the grand coalition government after the 2002 election. He worked alongside the late Kofi Annan to broker truce between ODM leader Raila Odinga and former President Mwai Kibaki,” Mr Ariyo said.
Former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno's family hold his portrait at his home in Kangeso village in Migori county on September 7
Otieno was also a pioneer in local economic development, advocating for the establishment of banks in Rongo town, providing residents with access to savings and credit facilities.
Family members praised him for his enduring support of education. Athanasio Odhiambo, a relative, said one of Dalmas’ initiatives helped over 400 students attend university.
The body of former Rongo Member of Parliament, Dalmas Anyango Otieno, who died at the age of 80, has been moved to the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
“He set up a support fund through an NGO that assisted orphaned children with school fees. He believed education was the great equalizer,” Mr Odhiambo said.
In addition, Dalmas supported local farmers by introducing dairy cows, requiring farmers only to have a unit and grow Napier grass.
“Many professionals in the area benefited from his mentorship in education and business,” Odhiambo added.
Born in 1945, Otieno entered national politics in 1988, serving as Rongo MP. He lost his seat in the 1997 and 2002 general elections but remained active in public service, leaving a legacy as a peace maker and advocate for education and economic empowerment in Migori.
Former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno
President William Ruto mourned him as 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,” Dr Ruto said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described him as a principled leader who devoted his life to public service.
“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,” the Speaker said.
