The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the country at large are mourning the death of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango, a veteran politician and former Cabinet minister, who passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 80. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Otieno, fondly known in political circles as Wuod Bade dongo and Tiga ngute bor owing to his towering physique, was a key figure in Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
He was born on April 19, 1945, and first entered Parliament in 1988 as the Member of Parliament for Rongo constituency.
His career in public service saw him hold several ministerial portfolios, including Industrialisation, Labour & Human Resource Development, and Transport between 1988 and 1996.
A loyal supporter of ODM leader Raila Odinga during the 2007 general election, Otieno played a critical role in the party’s campaigns and in the subsequent coalition government formed after the disputed election.
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Following the post-election crisis and the power-sharing deal between President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, Otieno was appointed Minister of State for Public Service in 2008, a position he held with distinction.
He retained his Rongo parliamentary seat in the 2013 general election, cementing his reputation as a seasoned leader. However, in 2014, Otieno broke ranks with ODM and attempted to form his own political movement, Kalausi (whirlwind), aimed at providing an alternative political path for South Nyanza.
The move was seen as a bold but risky political gamble, one that cost him support within the ODM stronghold. He later lost to Paul Abuor in the ODM primaries ahead of the 2017 elections and failed in his subsequent independent bid for the Rongo seat.
Despite his later fallout with ODM, many still regarded Otieno as an independent-minded politician who carved his own path, often refusing to bow to political sycophancy.
His career was marked by resilience, strong convictions, and a determination to stand by his beliefs, whether in government or in opposition.
News of his death has been received with deep sorrow, especially among ODM supporters who remember him for his steadfast support of Raila Odinga during critical moments in Kenya’s political history.
Leaders from across the political divide are expected to send their tributes in the coming days as the nation reflects on the life and legacy of a man who dedicated much of his life to public service.
