Former Mbooni MP and Cabinet Minister Joseph Munyao passes away at 85
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 22, 2025Joseph Konzolo Munyao, a former Cabinet Minister and long-serving Member of Parliament for Mbooni, has died at the age of 85. He passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior paid tribute, saying Munyao dedicated his life to public service and worked consistently for his constituents.
“His contributions to leadership and development will be remembered,” the governor said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also mourned Munyao’s passing, describing him as disciplined, humble, and devoted to the people. He said Munyao carried himself with calm authority and prioritised public service above personal gain.
“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,” Kalonzo posted on his X account.
“His presence anchored every room he entered. Our elder brother was the embodiment of a devoted public servant working tirelessly for ordinary Kenyans with a sincerity that is increasingly rare today. His guiding principle was simple yet profound: service for the people.”
“As the Lord says in the Book of Mathew Chapter 25 verse 25: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” May this promise bring you comfort, knowing that Joseph’s faithful life and service have been recognised in the highest place.'”
Moses Wetang’ula highlighted Munyao’s rise from a bank clerk to a Cabinet Minister, emphasising his hard work, integrity, and resilience.
“Munyao embodied resilience and determination. From humble beginnings as an accounts clerk, he rose, through hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service to the high office of Cabinet Minister,” Wetangula posted on his X account.
Munyao’s political career spanned both single-party and multi-party eras. He first contested in the 1963 general election and won the Mbooni parliamentary seat in a 1975 by-election.
He lost the seat in 1979 but regained it in 1983 under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, serving until 1988. He returned to Parliament in 2002 under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and served until 2007.
During his tenure as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development from 2003 to 2007 under President Mwai Kibaki, Munyao oversaw key reforms in the livestock sector.
He played a central role in reviving the Kenya Meat Commission in 2006, which had been closed for 15 years. He also focused on improving livestock policy and rural infrastructure to support farmers across the country.
Early life and legacy
Born on May 4, 1940, in Makueni County, Munyao attended Kibauni Primary, Makueni Intermediate, and Machakos School. He began his career at Standard Bank, later Standard Chartered, before joining the provincial administration as an accountant. Between 1969 and 1972, he served as a financial attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow.
In 1991, Munyao co-founded the Democratic Party with Mwai Kibaki. He served as national chairman for several years before stepping down in 2022, passing leadership to Justin Muturi. Outside politics, Munyao managed Plastic Products (K) Ltd and ran a commercial farm in Kalawa, Makueni, where he practised mixed agriculture including dairy, poultry, citrus, and cotton.
Munyao’s career is remembered for dedication to public service, practical reforms in the livestock sector, and steady leadership during Kenya’s changing political landscape. He leaves behind a legacy of service, discipline, and tangible contributions to the development of Mbooni and the wider country.