Dalmas Otieno Anyango is remembered as one of Kenya’s most principled leaders. His life was marked by integrity, intellect, and a deep commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1945 in Rongo, Migori County, Otieno rose from modest beginnings to a life of public service. He studied Applied Economics at Makerere University. Later, he specialized in insurance and finance, qualifying as a Chartered Insurance Practitioner in the UK.
Before politics, he had a successful career in the financial sector. He also served as chairman of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
Political Career
Otieno entered politics in 1988 when he was elected MP for Rongo under the KANU party. He went on to hold several cabinet posts under President Daniel arap Moi. These included Minister for Industrialisation, Labour, and Transport & Communications.
In 2008, during the Grand Coalition government of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he returned to Cabinet. As Minister of Public Service, Otieno drove major reforms. These included digitizing government operations, creating the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and modernizing the Kenya School of Government.
Independent Politics
Though once a close ally of Raila Odinga, Otieno often took independent positions. In 2014, he launched Kalausi—Luo for “whirlwind.” The movement sought to challenge ODM’s dominance in South Nyanza and give people an alternative political voice.
In 2022, he ran for Migori governor on a Jubilee Party ticket but lost to ODM’s Ochilo Ayacko. Despite the defeat, his independent spirit stood out.
Legacy
Dalmas Otieno is remembered as a reformer and visionary. He valued systems and structures more than personality politics. His leadership left a lasting mark on Kenya’s governance.
He is survived by his wife and children.
