Former Livestock Minister and former Mbooni MP Joseph Munyao has died at the age of 85.
Munyao passed away on Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior extended his condolences to Munyao’s family, friends, and the Mbooni community.
The governor described Munyao as a dedicated leader whose service to the nation and commitment to his constituents would be fondly remembered.
In a statement on Saturday, November 22, 2025, Governor Kilonzo said Munyao served the nation with dedication and humility as the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development and remained committed to the welfare of his constituents.
“His contribution to leadership and development will be remembered with great respect. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the governor said.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, in his condolences, said, "I am deeply saddened as I join the Munyao family, friends, and the Nation in mourning the passing of Hon. Joseph K. Munyao.
"Joseph was a quiet yet powerful presence, humble, disciplined, and always placing the service of others above himself. He was more than a steady hand; he carried himself with humility, grace, and a deep respect for all. His presence anchored every room he entered."
Munyao represented Mbooni Constituency in the National Assembly in three non-consecutive terms and served as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development in President Mwai Kibaki’s administration from 2003 to 2007.
Early life
Munyao was born in Makueni County and educated at Kibauni Primary, Makueni Intermediate, and Machakos School between 1958 and 1961.
He worked as a bank clerk at Standard Bank (later Standard Chartered) before joining the provincial administration as an accountant in the Office of the President.
Between 1969 and 1972, he served as a financial attaché at the Kenyan embassy in Moscow.
Politics
Munyao entered politics in the 1963 general election but first won election in 1975 following a successful by-election petition in Mbooni Constituency.
He lost his seat in 1979 and regained it in 1983 under the ruling Kenya African National Union party, serving until 1988.
In 1991, he co-founded the Democratic Party (Kenya) with Mwai Kibaki.
In 2002, he was re-elected as MP under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) platform and appointed Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development in President Kibaki’s government.
He lost the Mbooni seat in the 2007 general election.
Legacy
Munyao's career spanned both the single-party and multi-party eras in Kenyan politics. He is remembered for contributions to livestock policy and infrastructure development in rural areas during his ministerial tenure.
