Kalonzo praises Dalmas Otieno in a moving tribute
By David Nthua, October 1, 2025Wiper Patriotic Front boss Kalonzo Musyoka has praised the late MP Dalmas Otieno’s courage.
Taking to his X handle on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Kalonzo said Otieno’s bravery had no equal and that the veteran leader always meant what he said and said what he meant, unlike the current crop of politicians.
A Towering Leader
In his tribute, Kalonzo recalled the towering figure of his colleague and “big brother” who served as MP for Rongo constituency and held key cabinet positions, including Minister for Industrialisation from 1988 to 1991, Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development, and later Minister of Transport from 1991 to 1996.
“Mheshimiwa Otieno’s courage and, in particular, his selflessness in putting country before self is a story in itself that left a lasting impression on me,” Kalonzo said.
He added that Dalmas Otieno had lived with a mission to better the lives of those around him and beyond. His unmatched enthusiasm for socio-economic development, Kalonzo noted, made him a leader far ahead of his time.
Also watch: Babu Owino mourns late cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno.
Dalmas Otieno’s legacy
Kalonzo singled out Otieno’s role in transforming Rongo University from its modest beginnings as Kitere Technical School in the 1970s into a full-fledged public university.
“For Dalmas Otieno’s family, his legacy endures not only in you but also in the others he influenced, assisted, and mentored during his lifetime,” Kalonzo said.
He concluded his tribute by quoting scripture from John 1:16: “For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace.”
“With absolute grace we say, thank you. Mheshimiwa Dalmas Otieno, may you rest in God’s utmost grace,” Kalonzo wrote.
The former cabinet minister died after a long battle with illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and a reputation as one of the most principled leaders of his generation.