Kenya is mourning the passing of former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno. He died on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 80 in a Nairobi hospital. His family confirmed he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Professor Richard Bosire, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, has joined other leaders in paying tribute to him. Speaking on Monday, September 8, Bosire described Otieno as a leader of integrity, honesty, and accountability.
“I never heard Dalmas being accused of corruption. He lived a life of integrity and respected himself,” Bosire said during a media interview.
Bosire remembered him as a man of his word, a leader who valued transparency, and someone who earned the love of his people. According to him, Otieno stood out because he was respected even by political rivals.
“He was liked equally by politicians from all sides. Even after his fallout with Raila Odinga, he later mended the relationship. That showed his maturity and wisdom,” Bosire added.
Otieno’s career in politics spanned more than three decades. He served as Rongo MP and held several ministerial posts under former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
He is best remembered for his time as Minister for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government. There, he pushed for reforms that transformed Kenya’s civil service and strengthened professionalism.
Dalmas Otieno leaves behind a legacy of honesty, brilliance, and service to the nation. His death marks the loss of a statesman who believed in integrity and accountability in leadership.
