Kibaki-era minister and ex-Mbooni MP Joseph Munyao is dead
He passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
Former Livestock and Fisheries Development Minister and long-serving Mbooni MP Joseph Munyao has died at the age of 85.
He passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
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Munyao, who served as Livestock Minister from 2003 to 2007, represented Mbooni Constituency in Parliament between 1975 and 2007.
Munyao’s political journey began in the 1963 general election, though he first entered Parliament in 1975 after winning a by-election petition in Mbooni Constituency.
He lost the seat in 1979 but reclaimed it in 1983 under the ruling KANU party, serving until 1988. In 1991, he joined Mwai Kibaki in co-founding the Democratic Party (DP) during Kenya’s push for multi-party democracy.
In 2002, Munyao returned to Parliament under the NARC coalition and was appointed Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, a portfolio he held until 2007. He later lost the Mbooni parliamentary seat in the 2007 general election.
Born in Makueni County, Munyao attended Kibauni Primary, Makueni Intermediate, and Machakos School between 1958 and 1961. He worked at Standard Bank 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, marking his entry into high-level public service.
Munyao leaves behind a legacy of policy contributions in Kenya’s livestock sector, particularly in strengthening disease control, improving infrastructure, and promoting the growth of pastoralist economies.
His career bridged both the single-party and multi-party eras, cementing his place as one of the region’s most influential political figures.
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang'ula also mourned the former minister as a leader who embodied resilience and determination.
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.
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 Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also condoled with the family, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss and joined the nation in mourning a statesman who devoted decades to public service.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has mourned Munyao as a distinguished founder member who served the country with diligence, vision and an admirable sense of duty.
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