Former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno has passed away.
The news about his death was confirmed by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, Wetang’ula paid tribute to the late politician, describing him as a respected leader whose service to the nation left a lasting mark.
Former Rongo Legislator Dalmas Otieno Dead. Photo: Courtesy.
“I have learnt with deep sorrow 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. Hon. Otieno served the nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Cabinet Minister and a long-serving Member of Parliament. His calm demeanor, intellect, and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership,” he noted.
According to the speaker, Otieno’s passing is a big loss not only to the people he served but also to the country at large.
The late Otieno entered active politics in 1988 when he was elected the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Rongo Constituency under the then ruling KANU party.
He served in several ministerial positions, including as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development in 1991, and later as Minister for Transport and Communications from 1991 to 1996.
He also held continental roles, chairing the African Ministers of Transport and Communications between 1994 and 1996 and leading the RASCOM establishment committee in 1994.
In the 1992 multi-party elections, Otieno lost his parliamentary seat to Linus Aluoch Polo, and five years later, in 1997, to Ochillo Ayacko, mirroring the political realignments of the decade.
His fortunes changed in 2007 when he reclaimed his seat, marking a political resurgence that saw him appointed Minister of State for Public Service in the 2008 Grand Coalition Government.
