Kenya is mourning the passing of veteran politician and former Cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno Anyango, who died on Sunday at the age of 80.
His son, Eddie Otieno, confirmed that the former Rongo Member of Parliament passed away at his residence in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Tributes poured in from leaders and colleagues, among them Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, who described Otieno as a brilliant, visionary, and composed statesman. “Dalmas was articulate, strategic, and passionate about socio-economic development. His passing robs Kenya of a leader who shaped the country’s economic and political landscape for decades,” Owalo said, recalling their close working relationship spanning more than 30 years, including recent collaboration on the Nyanza International Investment Conference.
Otieno’s career in public service was long and distinguished. First elected as Rongo MP in 1988, he went on to hold several ministerial portfolios. Between 1988 and 1991, he served as Minister for Industrialisation before moving to Labour and Human Resource Development. Later in 1991, he was appointed Minister for Transport and Communications.
After joining the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2007, Otieno reclaimed his parliamentary seat and was appointed Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition government.
Beyond politics, he was also recognised as a pioneering entrepreneur, having made significant strides in Kenya’s insurance and banking sectors.
Dalmas Otieno’s death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Kenya’s political and economic history, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.
