Dalmas Otieno’s death revives painful memories of son’s chopper crash in Canada

Grief has engulfed the family of former Rongo Member of Parliament and Ex Minister Dalmas Otieno once again, 17 years after the death of his only son, Isaiah Otieno, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in Canada back in 2008.

Otieno succumbed to illness on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 80 and is being honoured across the nation for his service as a Cabinet Minister and a key figure in Nyanza’s political environment.

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However, beyond his public achievements and political career, deep pain still exists in Otieno’s family following the tragic loss of his only son, Isaiah Otieno, abroad at the age of 23 years.

Isaiah tragically died on May 13, 2008, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, when a BC Hydro-chartered chopper fell from the sky and struck him as he walked to the post office. All three individuals onboard, the pilot and two BC Hydro staff members, also perished in the crash.

At the time of his son’s, Otieno was serving as Kenya’s Minister for Public Service.

He travelled to Canada with his wife and the Kenyan High Commissioner to mourn their son, publicly demanding accountability and compensation, even while admitting nothing could fill the void during a memorial at the College of the Rockies, where Isaiah had been studying.

In his message following the crash, Dalmas Otieno described the loss of his son as “the end of a future and a cultural bridge,” calling the grief indescribable.

Investigators from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board struggled with the inquiry, partly due to the absence of a flight data recorder, though parts of the engine remained intact.

Heartbreakingly, Otieno had spoken to his son just an hour before the accident, later learning of his death through an email from Isaiah’s friends.

Despite continuing his political career, including stints as Minister for Industrialisation and as the long-serving MP for Rongo, Otieno rarely spoke about his son’s passing in later years, until his death.

Condolences

Kenya’s top leaders, led by President William Ruto, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, have paid touching tribute to Dalmas Otieno following his passing.

President Ruto praised him as a visionary leader whose contributions will inspire generations, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta remembered him as a principled statesman who devoted his life to Kenya’s progress.

”Kenya has lost a visionary leader. Waziri Dalmas Otieno served our nation with honour, integrity, and distinction. He was sharp, progressive, and industrious; a statesman whose ideas and leadership will continue to shape generations. His passing is a great loss to our country.

“May God grant his family, friends and people of Rongo strength at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Waziri Dalmas,” the Head of State said.

In his message, former President Uhuru Kenyatta said: “It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, a distinguished leader who served his country with dedication and humility.”

On his part, ODM leader Raila Odinga was quick to send his message of condolence to Dalmas Otieno’s family, describing him as a committed public servant.

”Mama Ida and I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango with profound sadness. He was a committed public servant who believed in the power of effective and efficient public service as a cornerstone of good governance. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Rongo and Migori County. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Raila said.