By KPC Reporter
Dalmas Otieno, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and former Rongo MP and Cabinet Minister, has died at the age of 80.
His passing occurred on Sunday morning, at his home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, according to family confirmations.
Otieno’s son, Eddie Otieno, confirmed the news, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.
Another source noted that Otieno had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness at a Nairobi hospital prior to his demise, according to The Star.
Born on April 19, 1945, Otieno first entered the political arena in 1988 as Member of Parliament for Rongo.
He served as Minister for Industrialisation (1988–1991), Minister of Labour & Human Resource Development, and later Minister for Transport & Communications until 1996.
He lost the seat until 2007 when he reclaimed it in 2007 under the ODM banner and served as Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government.
From 2018 to 2024, he was Vice-Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Political leaders have paid tribute.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Otieno as a “distinguished leader” whose calm demeanor and intellect helped shape Kenya’s socio-economic landscape.
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo fondly recalled their decades-long collaboration and lauded him as “exceptionally brilliant and composed” with a passion for national development.