Former Rongo MP and Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno
Anyango will be buried on October 2, 2025, at his rural home in Kangeso
village, Migori County, the family has announced.
Family spokesperson Mark Rachuonyo said preparations
for the burial are underway, with regular meetings being held to ensure a
dignified farewell for the veteran politician.
Speaking at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, where
the body is preserved, relatives and leaders described Otieno as a statesman
who devoted his life to public service.
Several Migori leaders who accompanied the family praised
him for his vision and contribution to national leadership.
Otieno died on September 7, 2025, at his Nairobi
residence. He was 80.
Following news of his passing, President William Ruto
led national tributes, recalling Otieno as a principled and visionary leader.
“He was sharp, progressive and industrious; a statesman
whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations,” the
President said in a condolence message.
ODM leader Raila Odinga described him as a public servant
who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a
cornerstone of good governance.
"He was a committed public servant who believed
in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good
governance,” Raila said.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County."
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said he learnt with deep sorrow of the passing on of Otieno.
“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,” he said.
Wetang’ula extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Rongo Constituency on behalf of the National Assembly and Parliament fraternity.
Born in 1945 in Rongo, Migori County, Otieno had a long and distinguished career in politics and public administration.
He served as Minister for Industrialisation, Labour, and Transport & Communications during his early political life, and later played a central role in digitising government services and modernising civil service operations.
Otieno was also known for his intellectual depth, having studied Applied Economics at Makerere University and undertaken further training in insurance and finance.
Before entering politics, he was a respected professional in the financial services sector.
Though he lost his parliamentary seat in 2017, Otieno remained active in national dialogue and was later appointed to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
In 2022, he made an unsuccessful bid for the
Migori gubernatorial seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.
