Veteran politician Dalmas Otieno dies aged 80

President William Ruto has mourned his death, remembering him as a visionary leader who served the nation with honour, integrity, and distinction.

"He was sharp, progressive, and industrious; a statesman whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations," he said.

"May God grant his family, friends and people of Rongo strength at this difficult time."

ODM leader Raila Odinga mourned the former legislator 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 in a statement on Sunday. 

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Rongo and Migori County."

On his part, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula hailed Otieno as a statesman who left a lasting mark on Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape.

Wetang’ula lauded Otieno’s calm demeanor, intellect, and ability to bridge divides, qualities he said made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership.

“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 said.

Dalmas Otieno was first elected as the MP for Rongo in 1988 and later reclaimed the seat in 2007 and in 2013.

He also served as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, then later that year as Minister of Labour & Human Resource Development and as Minister of Transport from 1991 to 1996. 

Under President Mwai Kibaki's rule, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Public Service.

He also had an illustrious career in finance and economics after studying Applied Economics at Makerere University. 

His family members and relatives arrived at his home on Sunday evening to mourn his demise.