My absence is strategic, Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno now declares

Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno has sparked anxiety in Nyanza region with his prolonged absence from the political scene.

Dalmas, seen as one of the most notable political figures in Nyanza and who had emerged as a possible successor to CORD leader Raila Odinga as the Luo leader, has not been seen in his constituency for over a year.

The towering Makerere University trained economist and businessman, known for shooting straight from the hip, was Raila’s key strategist during the grand coalition government where he served as the Minister for Public Service.

He is obviously one of the most experienced politicians in Nyanza, having served as Cabinet Minister in both Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki’s governments.

Despite being a notable ODM luminary, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him his special envoy to Juba, South Sudan, where he has been participating in peace negotiations on behalf of the Kenyan government.

It is because of his political profile and proximity to power that his decision to take a low profile has baffled supporters and opponents.

Contacted by The Standard on Sunday, Dalmas was reluctant to discuss his absence from active politics.

Pressed on his political plans, he quipped: “My absence is good for me. It is strategic. I would rather not talk about it now”.

But even as he kept off the matter, debate is raging among his supporters and opponents now that the 2017 general election is just more than a year away .

Given that his longtime political foe and former Energy Minister Ochillo Ayako has expressed interest in the Migori governor’s seat, Dalmas’ prolonged absence and silence has been fodder to other politicians eyeing his seat.

According to his constituents, elected leaders and local politicians, Dalmas has not stepped in Rongo for close to a year and a half now.

Keen observers say he went silent after his attempts to market a new political movement called Kalausi (whirlwind) in 2014 ran into turbulence after it was linked with alleged secret plans to undermine Raila’s leadership.

Many ODM leaders said Kalausi was a Jubilee project. Siaya Senator James Orengo had described it as “a small whirlwind or twister. It disappears almost as soon as it reaches a climax. It is not a hurricane typhoon. Kalausi is gone with the wind”.

Dalmas’ political fortunes in Nyanza dwindled further when President Kenyatta appointed him envoy, with his opponents dubbing him a “Jubilee mole.”

His absence has sparked early campaigns in Rongo. Dalmas’ main rival in the 2013 polls Paul Abuor and political activists David Osiany and Tom Kwaga are already campaigning to unseat him.

Abuor has taken the mantle as ODM point man in Rongo, hosting the party’s national leaders during Okoa Kenya signature collection drives, grassroots elections and voter registration.

“When the Kalausi candidate in the Homa Bay Senate by-elections lost, Dalmas lost the ground and public goodwill,” Abuor told The Standard on Sunday.

But the MP’s key ally on the ground, Rongo CDF Chairman Joshua Ngare, said Dalmas “is fully on duty despite not being seen on the ground.”

Speaking to The Standard on Sunday on the phone, Ngare said those questioning his absence  are mere handouts seekers. “What is the work of an MP? Is it to come to the constituency every weekend to make noise at funerals or to carry out his legislative and oversight roles?” he said.

Citing the tarmacking of the Rongo-Nyamarambe road, the new fish processing plant at Opapo, and Sh236 million set aside by government for two technical institutions, Ngare said Rongo is one of the most developed constituencies in Nyanza because of Dalmas’ efforts.

A senior politician said Dalmas will soon pull a big surprise.

“He has just taken a tactical retreat. He is a serious strategist,” he said.