When the eloquent and cerebral South Nyanza big-wig and former Rongo MP claimed a whirlwind (Kalausi) was soon taking over Luo politics and trumping Odingaism, he knew he had ruffled colorful feathers.
Though he has since denied Kalausi was set to be a political party to rival Raila Odinga’s ODM in Luo Nyanza, claiming he was only talking of change that is inevitable, Dalmas Otieno despite dwindling political fortunes remains one of the astute and revered leaders in Luo Nyanza.
That was over three years ago and the once colossus figure in the Nyanza dominant ODM party known for brokering the infamous Negotiated democracy between the Luo and Kuria in 2013 has since fallen out irrevocably with the party.
The physically towering and intellectually intimidating, abrasive politician known for his unconventional ilk of politics having been a KANU enthusiast lost the Rongo seat in the August 8th general election to business man Paul Abuor after vying as an independent candidate.
In February 2014,Otieno was appointed by President Kenyatta as envoy to the South Sudan mediation talks owing to his noted expertise in dealing with the South Sudan Conflict, having been a high level player during the South Sudan’s two-decade civil war with the North.
READ: ‘Democrat’ Raila Using Violence To Ensure No Voting In Nyanza – DP Ruto
His move to accept this appointment from long time buddy President Uhuru Kenyatta, a friendship that dates way back to the KANU days saw top ODM leadership label him a rebel and his political woes began to unfold. Unperturbed, he went ahead and took the job.
Reliable sources have intimated to Kahawa Tungu that Otieno who has not shied away from voicing his misgivings over Odingaism and his way of politics might be headed for the Chairmanship of Lake Basin Development Authority a position currently held by Raphael Tuju, Jubilee party secretary General as Tuju is billed for a Cabinet position.
Otieno is said, wants to remain relevant as he eyes the 2022 gubernatorial potion in Migori County. He joins the Cohorts of Tuju, James Rege and Phillip Okundi who have openly defied the wind of jingoism in ODM and Odinga in Luo Nyanza.
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