Dalmas Otieno’s death: Key thing Amisi wants politicians to learn from late MP

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has urged Kenyan politicians, especially younger leaders, to follow the example of the late Dalmas Otieno.

Hamisi reflected on Otieno’s career, highlighting how he consistently stood firm in his beliefs even when it was unpopular to do so.

You might also like

Entertainment

Nick Vujicic sends prophetic warning to Ruto about leadership

Entertainment

‘Being young is not a Green Card’ — Allan Ademba on youth leadership in 2027

Entertainment

Octopizzo raises concerns over youth exclusion in leadership spaces

Speaking in an interview on Monday, September 8, 2025, through a local TV, Amisi said, “Dalmas Otieno is remembered as a leader who stood firmly by his principles and always spoke the truth. He challenged the status quo even when it was unpopular.”

Also Watch: Caleb Amisi criticises Ruto’s govt over public resources wastage

He added, “Leaders like him are role models for young politicians, showing that integrity and boldness matter in public service.”

Daring political moves

Amisi further explained that true leadership sometimes requires going against prevailing trends.

He cited Otieno’s political journey, noting that in Nyanza, he contested elections against the dominant ODM, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always acting with courage.

“He served as a minister and MP, and, in Nyanza, he went against the green when the region was predominantly ODM. Some of his attempts succeeded, others did not, but that is the essence of democracy,” Hamisi said.

Also Watch: Caleb Amisi pressures Duale to clarify SHA scandal

He emphasised that democracy thrives when leaders are unafraid to challenge the status quo. “That is what democracy is really about,” he added.

Dalmas Otieno’s legacy

Dalmas Otieno, who passed away on September 7, 2025, left a lasting mark on Kenyan politics. He was first elected MP for Rongo in 1988, later reclaiming the seat in 2007 and 2013.

He held key ministerial roles, including Minister for Industrialisation (1988–1991), Minister of Labour & Human Resource Development (1991), and Minister of Transport (1991–1996). Under President Mwai Kibaki, he served as Minister of State for Public Service.

Trained in Applied Economics at Makerere University, Otieno also had a distinguished career in finance. Hamisi urged politicians to emulate Otieno’s courage, independence, and principle-driven approach to leadership, ensuring that Kenya’s democracy remains robust even when challenging the status quo.