Former Rongo Member of Parliament Dalmas Otieno has died, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has confirmed.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, Wetang’ula paid tribute to the late politician, describing him as a respected leader whose service to the nation left a lasting mark.
"I have learnt with deep sorrow of the passing on of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished leader, seasoned legislator, and statesman whose contribution to Kenya’s political and socio-economic landscape will be fondly remembered.
"Hon. Otieno served the nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Cabinet Minister and a long-serving Member of Parliament. His calm demeanor, intellect, and ability to bridge divides made him a voice of reason and an example of principled leadership," he said.
Wetang’ula said Otieno’s passing is a big loss not only to the people he served but also to the country at large.
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"On behalf of the National Assembly and indeed the 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 added.
Otieno studied at Strathmore School before enrolling at Makerere University in Uganda, where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics.
He later obtained professional qualifications in insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute in London, which prepared him for an early career in finance and public administration.
He worked as an Accounts Manager at Insurance Agency Management between 1971 and 1982, later serving as Chairman and Director of Kenya Commercial Bank from 1982 to 1985, and as Treasurer of the Kenyatta University Council between 1983 and 1987.
Otieno entered active politics in 1988 when he was elected the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Rongo Constituency under the then ruling KANU party.
He served in several ministerial positions, including as Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development in 1991, and later as Minister for Transport and Communications from 1991 to 1996.
Otieno also held continental roles, chairing the African Ministers of Transport and Communications between 1994 and 1996 and leading the RASCOM establishment committee in 1994.
He lost his parliamentary seat in the first multi-party elections in 1992 to Linus Aluoch Polo and again in 1997 to Ochillo Ayacko, reflecting the political realignments of the time.
However, Otieno staged a comeback in the 2007 general elections; his return to Parliament restored his influence, and in 2008 he was appointed Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed elections.
He oversaw the introduction of digital systems such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD), the Integrated Records Management System (IRMIS), and the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS).
Otieno was also instrumental in transforming the Kenya Institute of Administration into the Kenya School of Government and introduced the Civil Servants Medical Scheme.
Internationally, he was involved in supporting the newly independent South Sudan, deploying Kenyan civil servants to assist in setting up administrative systems and later being appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta as a special envoy to South Sudan peace talks.
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