Dalmas Otieno Anyango, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and former Cabinet Minister, passed away today at his Nairobi home after a brief illness.
He was 80 years at the time of his demise.
The Rongo-born statesman, known for his intellect and principled leadership, leaves a legacy spanning over three decades in public service.
Otieno’s political career began in 1988 as Rongo MP under KANU, serving as Minister for Industrialisation, Labour, and later Transport and Communications under President Daniel arap Moi, whom he steadfastly supported during the one-party era.
A key figure in the 1990s Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group, he helped usher in multiparty democracy.
Elected on an ODM ticket in 2007 and 2013, Otieno served as Minister for Public Service (2008–2013), driving civil service reforms.
His loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga wavered in 2014 when he formed the Kalausi movement, criticizing ODM’s dominance in Luo Nyanza, though he remained a respected regional voice.
His achievements include infrastructure development, public sector reforms, and earning the Elder of the Golden Heart and Elder of the Burning Spear honors.
President William Ruto hailed him as a “sharp, progressive” leader.
Funeral arrangements are underway.
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