Dalmas Otieno, the veteran politician and former Rongo Member of Parliament, has died at the age of 80.
A family spokesperson confirmed his passing on Sunday, though details of the cause were not immediately disclosed.
Otieno, often referred to by his nickname “the Mak’Anyengo,” was a towering figure in Kenyan politics during the 1980s and 1990s.
He served in several senior cabinet positions under Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, including as Minister for Labour, Minister for Industrialisation, and later as Minister for Public Service.
His reputation for strategic thinking and his calm, intellectual approach to politics earned him a reputation as a respected technocrat in government.
Born in Migori County, Otieno studied economics at Makerere University before venturing into public service.
He first entered Parliament in 1988 as MP for Rongo, a seat he would go on to represent for decades, becoming one of the most recognisable leaders from the Nyanza region.
After losing his parliamentary seat in 2013, Otieno remained active in national debates, occasionally offering commentary on governance, economic policy and devolution.
Though largely out of frontline politics, he maintained a respected presence in political circles, often consulted on party disputes and electoral reforms.
In retirement, Otieno devoted much of his time to private business, farming, and community development initiatives in Migori.
