Dalmas Otieno’s first wife narrates how she lived with co-wife under one roof for 14 years
By William Muthama, October 1, 2025Patricia Otieno, the first wife of the late veteran politician Dalmas Otieno, offered mourners a rare glimpse into the personal life of the former Rongo lawmaker during a requiem mass at Don Bosco Catholic Church in Nairobi on Tuesday.
During her moving tribute, Patricia shared candid details about the unusual household she maintained with her husband and his co-wife, Dorothy Otieno, and Dalmas’s third wife, highlighting her patience, strength, and commitment to keeping the family together despite societal expectations.
One of the most striking aspects of Patricia’s account was her openness about living with Dorothy for 14 years under the same roof.
“I have been living with Dorothy ever since she got married to my husband. For 14 years, we lived under one roof. I gave them a room. Until she had her twins. Then she did not move out. She is still living with me,” Patricia revealed.
She explained that the arrangement was both practical and protective. “I did not want him to park his car in Rongo, where Dorothy had rented a house, so I told my husband to bring that woman home. We have a big house, and I am going to give her a room. Yeah, that’s it,” she said.
Patricia emphasised that the decision was rooted in love, respect, and faith. “So many people challenged me, asking how I could welcome a woman in my house as a wife to my husband. I said no, I love my husband, and I respect him. I refused to let jealousy rule me,” she added.
Her faith as a born-again Christian helped her navigate the complexities of such an unconventional family arrangement.
Also watch: Babu Owino mourns late cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno.
Husband with charm
Patricia recounted that Dalmas’s striking looks often caused “problems with women”. She laughed, remembering, “Yes, because Dalmas was handsome. No woman could pass without turning her head, looking at him. But I played it cool because I am a born-again Christian. I don’t have jealousy.”
Her faith and composure allowed the household to coexist peacefully, and she recalled how even daily routines, like sharing meals, were managed with mutual respect.
Tracing her relationship with Dalmas back to 1965 at Rapogi School, Patricia recounted a bond forged through years of shared experiences. She highlighted how deliberate choices, faith, and prioritising family cohesion over societal pressures shaped the family’s unity.
Patricia concluded her tribute by honouring Dalmas’s legacy as a devoted father, husband, and grandfather.
“I’m celebrating a great hero, a man who is very intelligent, very handsome, a father to my children, and a grandfather to my grandchildren. God blessed us with 13 grandchildren. They are all here,” she said.
Dalmas Otieno will be buried on October 2, 2025, at his rural home in Kangeso village, Migori County, with family, friends, and political leaders expected to attend the funeral.