By Anderson Ojwang
In Nyanza and Kenya’s politics, Rongo Constituency is reputed to have produced some of the top and most distinguished politicians and leaders in the country.
Rongo is the home of the former powerful and famous Permanent Secretary for Provincial Administration, the late Hezekiah Oyugi Wuon Ogango, and the first Kenyan to own a bank and a former Cabinet Minister, the late Mr. Dalmas Otieno Anyango.
Dalmas established Thabiti in the 1980s before he joined politics, but it is currently under liquidation.
Rongo Constituency was also represented by the current Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and respected businessmen, the late Aluoch Polo and the late Oluoch Kanindo.
When the history of Migori County is written, Rongo Constituency occupies a significant chapter.
Rongo is credited for the development and economic opportunities witnessed in the region today, courtesy of her sons’ and daughters’ contributions.
Rongo was once a powerhouse of Nyanza during the reign of former President the late Daniel arap Moi.
Despite all these achievements, Rongo has never had a woman aspirant for a parliamentary seat — it has been a male-dominated field.
Last month, when mourners gathered in Kangeso, Rongo, to pay their last respects to the fallen gallant son of the Luo community, entrepreneur, and politician Dalmas Otieno, a flicker of hope shone on his wife, Dorothy Otieno. The bug of politics that had bitten Otieno was transferred to her.
Dorothy is making history as the first woman to express political interest in the male-dominated Rongo parliamentary seat.
She wants to unseat the current MP, Paul Abuor, and will contest for the seat on President William Ruto’s UDA party ticket.
Dorothy, who was orphaned when she was in Class Five, is not a new entrant to politics. She honed her political skills from the former Prime Minister, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, when she worked at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation and later at the Prime Minister’s office as an administrator.
In the 2022 general election, Dorothy was the pillar of her husband Dalmas’s campaigns for the Migori gubernatorial seat.
“I have been in politics and have been mentored by the best in politics. I have been a student of Raila Amolo Odinga and also of my dear husband, Dalmas,” she said.
She said through Raila and Dalmas, she has gained a wealth of experience and a network to secure her victory in the 2027 general elections.
Dorothy hopes to build on the solid political foundation of her husband to ride to victory, saying his networks and various projects he initiated will be an added advantage to her campaign.
“My husband had blessed my candidature and introduced me to his political peers and networks. He was so excited about my candidature and urged me to keep the fire burning. I have what it takes to give new leadership to the people of Rongo,” she said.
Dorothy was appointed to the cabinet of former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti as County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Tourism and Trade during his first term, where she initiated various developments in her ministry.
Recently, President Ruto appointed her Director of Social Programs at State House, showcasing her skills and competence. Before her recent appointment, Dorothy was the UDA Coordinator for Migori County.
Dorothy has been engaged in various programs in her constituency supporting education, orphans, widows, and the vulnerable, as well as economic empowerment for women and youth.
“I am committed to walking in the footsteps of Dalmas. Even though they are big, he taught me how to fit best in them. I am so passionate about education and agriculture to ensure food security. I have been an orphan and now a widow. I know the pain these people go through, and I want to walk with them for a better future,” she said.
Dalmas is credited for the establishment of Rongo University and several vocational training institutions.
Rongo Constituency is divided into five wards: North Kamagambo, East Kamagambo, Central Kamagambo, South Kamagambo, and Rongo, with each ward having representation in the County Assembly. The constituency was established for the 1988 elections.
