NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Rongo Member of Parliament (MP) Dalmas Otieno Anyango has died.
Dalmas died at 80 years old at his Nairobi home. This is according to his family, which confirmed the death of the long-serving lawmaker for the Rongo constituency.
He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1988, where he served until 1991, after which he was appointed as the minister for Labour and Human Resources until 1996.
During the Grand Coalition Government, he was appointed as the Public Service Cabinet minister.
Dalmas has been in the civil service for 35 years, with his last role serving as the vice chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)
Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo, who was among the first notable politicians to confirm Dalmas’ death, disclosed that he first met the deceased during his university student days and later developed a close working relationship with him that spanned over three decades.
“Most recently, we collaborated on the conceptualisation of the Nyanza International Investment Conference. Dalmas was an exceptionally brilliant and composed leader – articulate, visionary, and a shrewd businessman with an unwavering passion for socio-economic development,” Owalo said.
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According to Owalo, Dalmas was also a pioneer entrepreneur in both the insurance and banking sectors.
“His passing has robbed Kenya of one of the most brilliant minds of our generation. 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,” added Owalo.
While mourning Dalmas, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described him 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,” Speaker Wetang’ula said.
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The Speaker went on: “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.”
In his condolence message, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said: “It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, former MP for Rongo. I extend deepest sympathies to his family, the Rongo community, and all Kenyans grieving this immense loss.”
Barasa described the late Dalmas as a brilliant, visionary leader and shrewd entrepreneur who pioneered in insurance and banking while passionately driving socio-economic development.
“His absence leaves a profound void, but his legacy of service endures. Rest in peace, Waziri.”
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On her part, Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaris eulogised Dalmas as a distinguished statesman.
“It is with deep sorrow that I extend my sincere condolences to the people of Rongo and the family of Hon. Dalmas Otieno following his passing at the age of 80. Hon. Otieno served Kenya with unwavering dedication and intellect. His legacy of public service and transformative leadership, especially within Rongo Constituency, will be remembered with reverence and gratitude. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the enduring impact of his life and work,” said Passaris.
Principal Secretary – Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Aurelia Rono, said Kenya had lost a seasoned statesman in the passing of Dalmas.
“His dedication to public service and his contribution to national development, particularly through his leadership in Parliament and Cabinet, will remain an inspiration to many. His voice in advancing governance and national unity enriched our country’s democratic journey. As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life of impact and service to the people of Rongo, Migori County, and the nation at large,” Dr. Rono shared on X (formerly Twitter).
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