Inside Dalmas Otieno's emotional send-off

The funeral church service of the late Dalmas Otieno at Kangeso High School in Kangeso Village, Kamagambo, Rongo, Migori County. [Michael Mute, Standard] Emotions ran high as the body of former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno was laid to rest at his Kangeso village in Rongo, Migori. Mourners who attended his burial recounted his contribution to development and his love for the people. His first son Fred Otieno eulogised him as a patriotic citizen who loved both the country and people. "Some people whom I have never met have confessed that my father helped them. If anybody believed in people, it was my father," Fred said. According to the son, his father used his years of service to transform the lives of people. Otieno's third wife Dorothy Otieno in a light moment said she was married thoroughly. "I was married with 46 cows," I have not heard any woman in Luo Nyanza get married the way I did," Mrs. Otieno said. She also thanked Kanu party leader Gideon Moi for buying a coffin for Dalmas who was a Kanu member. "We thank him for giving us a house which will be used to bury my husband," she remarked. His first wife Priscilla Otieno fondly remembered their time together ever since he married her at the age of 15. She said in his life, the long serving politician did not involve himself in corruption. She remembered her husband as a wonderful man who deserves a lot of respect even in death. "He is in a better place. He was friendly, full of wisdom, a man of few words who was a dedicated father and also a man of faith. He was life-long companion whose love shaped who we are today. He was very handsome," she said. She added: "In his last days, we attended a crusade together with him. He stayed there for three days. He preached and encouraged us." The burial ceremony which was started by a church service led by Catholic Church bishops was attended by government officials who include Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi who represented President William Ruto and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Others who attended were Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Senators Oburu Odinga (Siaya) (represented Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga), Eddy Oketch (Migori), Beatrice Ogolla (Homa Bay), MPs Paul Abuor (Rongo), Walter Owino (Awendo), Peter Masara (Suna West), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Maisori Kitayama (Kuria East), Woman Representatives Fatuma Mohammed (Migori), Joyce Osogo (Homa Bay), Former Governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) among others. Politics took centre stage at the burial ceremony, with leaders allied to President William Ruto and Raila Odinga lashing out at the opposition. Oburu rallied support for President Ruto's administration stating that it is the best arrangement for the people of Nyanza and their supporters. "I am glad now that those who were saying Ruto must go have agreed to remove him through the ballot. This is because this can only be done through the ballot constitutionally," he said. President Ruto in his speech read by Mr. Mudavadi said he has lost a true friend and an exemplary role model. "He served the country with honour. There can be no doubt that Otieno was a statesman of rare comparison. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dalmas Otieno," the President's speech read in part.

Inside Dalmas Otieno's emotional send-off

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