NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 7, 2025 – President William Ruto on Sunday led the nation in mourning the death of veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno Anyango, who passed away at the age of 80.
Otieno’s family confirmed he died on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. A towering figure in Kenya’s politics for more than three decades, he served as Rongo Member of Parliament and held several ministerial roles.
In a heartfelt statement, President Ruto praised Otieno as a progressive statesman and reformist.
“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. His passing is a great loss to our country,” Ruto said.
Ruto also extended condolences to Otieno’s family, friends, and the people of Rongo, describing his death as a loss to the entire nation.
Reformist Legacy
Otieno is remembered most for his tenure as Minister for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government, where he spearheaded reforms that modernized Kenya’s civil service. His leadership style earned him recognition as a reformer and mentor to younger leaders.
Wetang’ula’s Tribute
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also mourned Otieno, calling him a “proper statesman.”
“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,” Wetang’ula said.
He added that Otieno’s legacy would inspire generations, extending condolences on behalf of Parliament to Otieno’s family and constituents.
Political Connections
Otieno’s path intersected with President Ruto’s on several occasions. In May 2021, the two leaders met in Nairobi to chart an economic blueprint for the Nyanza region. In October 2022, shortly after Ruto’s election victory, Otieno engaged in outreach discussions aimed at uniting local constituencies in Nyanza.
The Dalmas Otieno death marks the end of an era for Rongo and Kenya’s broader political landscape, with leaders hailing him as a dedicated servant of the nation.
