Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) John Munyao has passed away.

President William Ruto has mourned Munyao, who served as Mbooni MP as a leader who served with dedication.

“We are saddened by the passing of former Cabinet minister Joseph Munyao, who is also a former MP for Mbooni Constituency, Makueni County. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Mbooni as we honour a man who served with steady dedication,” Ruto said.

Ruto said Munyao worked very closely with farmers to strengthen their livelihoods, which remains a lasting contribution to our country.

“His public service reflected a quiet resolve and a clear sense of duty that shaped many lives,” he said.

“May his loved ones find comfort in knowing his legacy endures in the communities he uplifted and the country he served with honour and dedication. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula – It is with profound sorrow that I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Joseph Munyao, former Mbooni MP and a distinguished Cabinet Minister. Kenya has lost a true son of the soil and a leader whose journey continues to inspire many. Hon. 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.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka – I am deeply saddened as I join the Munyao family, friends, and the Nation in mourning the passing of Hon. Joseph K. Munyao.To the entire Munyao family, I stand with you in this difficult time. I pray that God carries you through this valley of grief and that the memory of Joseph, his discipline, his humour and his calm strength remains a warm, enduring reminder of the blessing he was.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale mourned as a man of integrity and a confidant of the late President Mwai Kibaki.

“An honourable man, a man of integrity, has rested. I enjoyed and benefited from your pupillage when I first joined you in Parliament. Fare thee well, President Kibaki’s confidante,” Khalwale said.

John Munyao Political Career

Munyao first contested in the 1963 general election.

He won the Mbooni parliamentary seat in a 1975 by-election, but lost in 1979.

Munyao regained the seat in 1983 under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party and served until 1988.

He returned to Parliament in 2002 under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and served until 2007.

Munyao also served as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development from 2003 to 2007.