President William Ruto, on Sunday, September 7, led the nation in mourning the death of veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno Anyango, whose death was confirmed hours earlier.
In a heartfelt statement, Ruto described Otieno as “sharp, progressive, and industrious,” as he praised his contributions to public service and national leadership.
“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 in a statement.
While describing Dalmas' death as a loss to the country, Ruto also extended a condolence message to his family, friends and the people of Rongo.
The former Cabinet Minister lost his life on the morning of Sunday, September 7, with his family confirming he was undergoing treatment at the Nairobi hospital. He was 80 years old.
For over three decades, Otieno was a renowned figure in Kenya's political landscape, serving as Rongo Member of Parliament and in various ministerial positions before his death.
His most memorable tenure was when he served as Minister for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government. During this time, he spearheaded several reforms in Kenya's civil service.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula also mourned Otieno, describing the deceased as 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 in a statement.
“On behalf of the National Assembly and indeed the entire 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,” he added.
In the past, Ruto and the late Dalmas crossed paths on several occasions. In May 2021, the two leaders met at a strategic meeting at Nairobi’s Hermosa Hotel to chart an economic blueprint for the Nyanza region that could be incorporated into Ruto’s presidential manifesto.
A year later, in October 2022, Ruto sought to consolidate his influence in the Nyanza region through an outreach meeting aimed at bridging local constituencies together after winning the presidential election.
