Condolences Pour in as Leaders Mourn Former Minister Dalmas Otieno

Former Cabinet Minister and veteran politician Dalmas Otieno/HANDOUT

President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning former Cabinet Minister and veteran politician Dalmas Otieno, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.

In a statement, Ruto described Otieno as a visionary leader who served Kenya with honour, integrity, and distinction.

“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,” the President said.

He added that Otieno was sharp, progressive, and industrious, with ideas and leadership that will continue to shape generations.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga also condoled with the family, saying he and Mama Ida received the news of Otieno’s passing with profound sadness.

“Dalmas Otieno was a committed public servant who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Raila said.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined leaders in honouring Otieno as an exemplary statesman who made immense contributions to Kenya’s social and economic development.

“It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished leader who served his country with dedication and humility. Otieno was an exemplary statesman whose career in public service spanned decades,” Uhuru said.

“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. To his family, friends, and the people of Rongo and the larger Migori County, I extend my heartfelt condolences.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi remembered the former Minister as a remarkable leader and a statesman devoted to 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,” Mudavadi noted.

“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.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Otieno as a distinguished leader and seasoned legislator whose contribution to Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape will be fondly remembered.

“His calm demeanor, intellect and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership,” Wetang’ula said.

He conveyed condolences on behalf of Parliament, noting that Otieno’s legacy would endure as a true son of Kenya dedicated to public service.

Dalmas Otieno served as Rongo Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions in the governments of Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.

He was also widely regarded as a seasoned statesman whose political career spanned decades.

Other leaders, including governors, senators, MPs, and professional bodies have also expressed their condolences to the family.

Family sources confirmed that Otieno died while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital after a period of illness.