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The funeral of former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno is anticipated to bring together Kenya's leading political figures, potentially fostering a moment of national unity amidst partisan divisions.
The funeral of the late Dalmas Otieno, a veteran politician who served in three administrations, is set to be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at his rural home in Kangeso village, Rongo, Migori County. Otieno, who passed away on September 7, 2025, at his Nairobi residence at the age of 80, is remembered as a respected statesman whose career transcended partisan politics.
The event is expected to draw prominent leaders from across Kenya's political spectrum, including President William Ruto of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and opposition figures such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka. This convergence highlights Otieno's significant legacy and his ability to command respect across political divides.
Dalmas Otieno Anyango, born on April 19, 1945, had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in public service and politics. He was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency in 1988 under the KANU party. During his tenure, he held several ministerial portfolios, including Industrialisation (1988-1991), Labour and Human Resource Development (1991), and Transport and Communications (1991-1996) under President Daniel arap Moi.
He made a political comeback in 2007, winning the Rongo parliamentary seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket and was appointed Minister of State for Public Service in the Grand Coalition Government under President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In this role, he spearheaded significant civil service reforms, including the digitisation of government operations and the creation of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Beyond his political roles, Otieno also contributed to Kenya's financial and academic sectors, serving as Chairman of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Treasurer of the Kenyatta University Council. He was known for his independent political stance, even attempting to form a rival movement, Kalausi, to challenge ODM's dominance in Nyanza in 2014.
The anticipated gathering of President William Ruto, who leads the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, and opposition leaders like Raila Odinga (ODM leader) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Movement leader and former Vice President) at Otieno's funeral is seen as a rare opportunity for political reconciliation. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who served from 2013 to 2022 and has recently been critical of the current administration, is also expected to attend. The Kenya Kwanza Alliance, formed in January 2022, is currently headed by President Ruto and includes parties like the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Amani National Congress (ANC), and FORD–Kenya.
The Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party, led by Raila Odinga, was formed in 2021 and includes ODM, NARC-Kenya, Jubilee Party, and Wiper Democratic Movement. While ODM has recently shown a willingness to collaborate with the government to ensure national stability, there have been reports of internal disagreements within Azimio, with some affiliate parties considering leaving the coalition.
Such high-profile political gatherings, while offering a chance for unity, also carry inherent risks. The focus could shift from honouring the deceased to political posturing, potentially overshadowing the solemnity of the occasion. However, a successful demonstration of unity could ease political tensions and foster a more conducive environment for public debate and policy implementation. Analysts suggest that clarity on the outcomes and intentions of such interactions is crucial to avoid speculation and maintain public trust.
Observers will be keenly watching for interactions between President Ruto, former President Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, and Kalonzo Musyoka. Any public displays of unity or private discussions could signal shifts in Kenya's political landscape, potentially influencing future alliances and national discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections. The nature of statements made by these leaders will also be scrutinised for indications of a willingness to bridge political divides for national cohesion.
The passing of Dalmas Otieno follows a tradition of national figures whose funerals have served as platforms for political convergence, reflecting the intricate relationship between personal loss and national politics in Kenya.
