Uphold Dalmas Otieno’s Legacy – Mudavadi
Otieno was the backbone in Kenya’s key transition in the 1990s, where he played a key role in milestone electoral reforms
Mudavadi called on current and future leaders to emulate the values Dalmas Otieno embodied—service to the people, honesty, justice, and a deep respect for dialogue. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, paid sincere tribute to the deceased Dalmas Otieno, citing his statesmanship and unwavering passion for Kenya’s democratization. In his address at Otieno’s funeral in Rongo, Migori County, Mudavadi spoke on behalf of President William Ruto and delivered the Head of State’s sympathies to the late leader’s family and the residents in the area.
Mudavadi recalled Otieno as a sharp-tongued, articulate, and uncompromising politician whose political career left a lasting imprint in Parliament and outside it. “Dalmas was a force to be reckoned with—physically and intellectually. When I arrived in Parliament at 28, he was already making waves. His contributions were top-class in content and delivery,” said Mudavadi. He challenged those who had not been aware of Otieno’s presence to consult the Hansard records, where his well-researched and well-informed contributions still remain on record.
He praised Otieno for consistently expressing national issues in a clear and concise manner, and in the process, ensuring that Rongo Constituency’s interests were always represented at the national level. Mudavadi observed that Otieno’s consistency and dedication to public service made him a credible and dependable lawmaker.
Away from his parliamentary work, Mudavadi commended Otieno’s achievement in the Cabinet as well as his chairmanship of the Inter-Party Parliamentary Group (IPPG). Otieno was the backbone in Kenya’s key transition in the 1990s, where he played a key role in milestone electoral reforms that have shaped the country’s democratic landscape.
“Dalmas instructed us that genuine democracy is not only founded on political competition but also conversation, justice, and accountability. He was a reformer at a time of critical importance in the history of our nation. That spirit has to inform our future and our present,” Mudavadi concluded.
He also highlighted the unity between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as an emblem of nation-building and reconciliation. Mudavadi observed that even during political competition, there must be unity for national building. “Their alliance sends a powerful message—let us put aside differences and move towards common objectives,” he said.
In regard to modern-day governance, Mudavadi underscored the importance of equitable sharing of resources. He called on Budget Committee Chairman Hon. Samuel Atandi to ensure fairness in the national budget. “Equity must be the foundation of national unity. Every region must receive a fair share, and leaders must see to it,” he called.
In summary, Mudavadi called on current and future leaders to emulate the values Dalmas Otieno embodied service to the people, honesty, justice, and a deep respect for dialogue. He noted that keeping Dalmas’s memory alive must extend beyond the ceremony and impact real change in leadership behavior.
“Dalmas showed us that good leadership involves serving with your voice for the benefit of all. Let his spirit inspire us to continue to build Kenya’s democracy,” he said.
National and county government leaders in large numbers went for the burial, including Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga, and Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo.
About Author
