Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero delivered a condolence message from former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the funeral of the late former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno on Wednesday, October 2, 2025. The burial ceremony, held in Kangeso village, Migori County, brought together various leaders, family members, and residents to honour the veteran politician.

Kidero, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) Board of Directors, revealed that he received the news of Otieno's passing while in the company of the former president.

Context of Loss and Tributes

Dalmas Otieno Anyango, an accomplished leader and seasoned administrator, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his Nairobi home at the age of 80. His death drew tributes from across Kenya's political spectrum, with leaders remembering him as a visionary who served the nation with honour, integrity, and distinction.

Otieno's career in public life spanned decades, including serving as Rongo MP and holding ministerial roles in Industrialisation, Labour, Transport, and as Minister of State for Public Service under former Presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki. He was first elected as Rongo MP in 1988, reclaiming the seat in 2007 and 2013.

Stakeholder Presence and Political Dynamics

The presence of both Kidero and a message from former President Kenyatta at the funeral underscores the continued influence of key political figures in national discourse. Former President Kenyatta, who served as Kenya's fourth president from 2013 to 2022, remains the party leader of the Jubilee Party.

Evans Kidero, who was the first Governor of Nairobi County from 2013 to 2017, made a return to government in November 2024 following his appointment by President William Ruto to chair the KNTC Board. This appointment marked a significant step in his political comeback after largely being out of the public political scene for several years.

Evidence/Data

• Deceased: Dalmas Otieno Anyango, former Rongo MP and Cabinet Minister.
• Date of Death: Sunday, September 7, 2025.
• Age at Death: 80 years.
• Burial Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2025.
• Burial Location: Kangeso village, Migori County.
• Condolence Message Delivered By: Evans Kidero, Chairperson of the KNTC Board of Directors.
• Condolence Message From: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
• Kidero's Current Role: Chairperson, Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) Board of Directors, appointed November 15, 2024, for a three-year term.
• Uhuru Kenyatta's Past Role: Fourth President of Kenya (2013-2022).
• Uhuru Kenyatta's Current Role: Party leader of the Jubilee Party.

Risks/Implications

The public appearance and message delivery by Kidero on behalf of Kenyatta could be interpreted in various ways within Kenya's dynamic political landscape. While ostensibly a gesture of condolence, such interactions often carry underlying political implications, particularly given the historical political alignments and realignments among these figures. Former President Kenyatta has recently been noted for his calls for youth activism, which some political analysts suggest could be aimed at influencing future political outcomes.

What to Watch

Observers will be keen to see if this public interaction signals any broader political realignments or increased public engagement from former President Kenyatta. The role of figures like Kidero, now in a state corporation leadership position, in conveying messages from past administrations may also be scrutinised for its implications on current government dynamics and future political strategies.