Former Livestock Minister and former Mbooni Member of Parliament, Joseph Munyao, has died at the age of 85. He died on Saturday afternoon on November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Joseph Munyao served as the livestock minister from 2003 to 2007.
He served as the member of parliament for Mbooni constituency between 1975 to 2007.
The late Minister will be remembered for playing a key role in the revival of the Kenya Meat Commission in 2006, following its closure for 15 years.
Munyao was also instrumental in the formation of the Democratic Party.
Munyao first entered politics during the 1963 general election but first won the mbooni parliamentary seat in 1975 following a successful by-election petition in mbooni constituency.
The politician later lost his seat in 1979 and regained it in 1983 under the ruling Kenya African National Party (KANU), serving until 1988.
He left KANU in 1991 and together with the late former president Mwai Kibaki, founded the Democratic Party- Kenya. Through this party he was re-elected in 2002 under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC).
After the 2002 victory, former president Mwai Kibaki appointed Joseph Munyao as the minister for livestock and fisheries development. He lost the 2007 elections as the Mbooni Member of Parliament to Mutula Kilonzo.
Wiper leader Kalonzo has eulogized the former minister as a devoted public servant who worked tirelessly for the ordinary kenyans with sincerity.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has mourned Munyao as distinguished founder member who served the country with diligence, vision and an admirable sence of duty.
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula also mourned the former minister as a leader who embodied resilience and determination.
Makueni county governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior praised Munyao's track record saying that his contribution to leadership will be remembered with great respect.
