Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Mourns Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango

 

 Opposition leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango, a veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister, who passed away earlier this week.

In a solemn statement, Odinga expressed profound sadness over the loss, recalling Hon. Dalmas Otieno’s long and dedicated service to the country.

"It is with profound sadness that Mama Ida and I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango," said Odinga. "He was a committed public servant who believed deeply in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance."

Hon. Dalmas Otieno, known affectionately as "the Prince of Rongo," served as the Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency for several terms. Over the decades, he held key cabinet positions, including Minister for Labour, Minister for Transport, and later Minister for Public Service during the Grand Coalition Government formed in 2008.

Odinga, who served as Prime Minister during the Grand Coalition era, highlighted Otieno’s contributions to public sector reforms. "We had the honour of appointing him as Minister for Public Service, where he played a vital role in reforming and instituting performance contracting in public institutions," he noted.

In addition to his political and public service career, Hon. Dalmas Otieno was also celebrated as a successful entrepreneur, with notable investments in Kenya’s banking and financial sectors. Odinga praised his commitment to national development beyond politics, saying, "He demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Kenya’s economic growth."

The ODM Party leader also extended condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of the late Hon. Otieno, particularly in Rongo and Migori County.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Odinga concluded.

The late Dalmas Otieno leaves behind a rich legacy of public service, leadership, and enterprise. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.