Veteran politician Dalmas Otieno has died at the age of 80, his family and political leaders have confirmed.
Otieno passed away on Sunday afternoon while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, according to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing the former Cabinet minister as a visionary leader who served with honour, integrity, and distinction.
“He was sharp, progressive, and industrious, a statesman whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations. May God grant his family, friends, and people of Rongo strength at this difficult time,” President Ruto said.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula hailed Otieno as a voice of reason and a leader of calm intellect who left a lasting mark on Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape.
“Kenya has lost a true son who dedicated his life to public service, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Wetang’ula said in his tribute.
Dalmas Otieno was first elected Member of Parliament for Rongo in 1988, a seat he later reclaimed in 2007 and 2013. He served as Minister for Industrialisation, Labour and Human Resource Development, and Transport between 1988 and 1996, and later as Minister of State for Public Service under President Mwai Kibaki.
Beyond politics, Otieno built a distinguished career in finance and economics, having studied Applied Economics at Makerere University.
Family members and relatives gathered at his home on Sunday evening to mourn his passing.
