Former minister Dalmas Otieno's wife Jane Otieno buried at sombre Migori ceremony

Jane Otieno, the wife of the former Minister of State for Public Service, was laid to rest on February 2 as leaders, relatives, friends and neighbours eulogised her as an accessible, relatable and lovable woman.

Following her untimely death on January 21, her husband, former minister and member of Parliament for Rongo Dalmas Otieno, took to his Facebook page to mourn her, describing her as a 'woman of great character and strength'.

While further extolling her virtues, Otieno pointed out her sense of elegance and style, also stressing her love for the community.

He wrote: "It is with a difficult heart that I announce the passing of my wife, Mama Jane Otieno who went to be with the Lord. She was a woman of great character and strength. 

"Those who knew her would appreciate her great sense of elegance and style, attention to detail and love for the greater community. In all things, we give God the glory. Go well Min Kevin, rest easy my friend."

Jane, fondly referred to as Min Kevin and Nyar Alego, was laid to rest ten days after her death, with thousands gathering for an occasion  that was also attended by leading politicians, regional business personalities, former and current government figures and notable names across the Nyanza region.

Representatives from the CMG Record label too attended the funeral in honor of the woman behind the label President's global success. 

According to his own testimony, Nyar Alego and her husband played a critical role in the moulding and entrepreneurial success of CMG Records honcho Stephen 'Dezz' Aoll.

"I will forever be indebted to Jane for the role she played in my life and that of my family. Our families have been closely-knit for over forty years. Mheshimiwa Dalmas was my father's closest buddy since he was just 23. He helped him rise to enviable positions and the friendship remained strong.

"We've lost an absolute gem and a true beacon. Jane was also my mother's best friend. The lessons she taught me are invaluable. Her loss is incalculable," Stephen 'Dezz' said. 

To represent the CMG conglomerate were; high-flying Afropop star Dogo Skillz, singer-songwriter Control Bwoy, Tiktok influencers Reenckid and Bruno and the label's managers Loice Mwangi and Gift Nasimiyu who looked resplendent in branded CMG gear. Also present were DJ Slayer and R&B starlet Emmie Muthiga.

Born in Tororo, Uganda, where her father Mzee Elkana Otieno was working as a locomotive driver in the then East Africa Railways, Jane went on to study partly in Uganda before moving to Kenya where she did her 'O' levels at Mary Hill Girls School and subsequently Kisumu Girls High School for her 'A' levels.

The future mother of six, who married Hon. Otieno in 1979, worked in various sections of the corporate world beginning at House of Manji and then East African Industries(Unilever) and Philips.

An astute businesslady, Jane went on to establish her own interior design and garment making company called Jojanto Associates Limited.

Jane's political magic was also greatly extolled as the family told of the immense support she gave her politician husband going on to host three Heads of State.

"At the point Mzee decided to join politics, Mama supported him wholeheartedly and hesitation. She was a key pillar behind his political success. Min Kevin, as she is fondly referred to politically, was a brilliant campaign strategist. Her soft touch in handling matters endeared her to many, " part of the eulogy read.

Jane Otieno is survived by her husband, co-wives and three children.