President William Ruto has joined Kenyans in mourning former Cabinet Minister and Mbooni MP Joseph Munyao, praising him as a calm, disciplined, and dedicated public servant whose work left a lasting footprint across the country. Munyao, who passed away on Friday, is remembered as a leader who served with quiet resolve and a deep commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens especially farmers.
In his condolence message, President Ruto expressed profound sadness and extended his sympathies to the Munyao family and the people of Mbooni Constituency in Makueni County. He noted that Munyao’s life was defined by integrity, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty.
“We are saddened by the passing of former Cabinet Minister Joseph Munyao. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Mbooni as we honour a man who served with steady dedication,” the President said.
Ruto highlighted Munyao’s strong bond with the agricultural community, noting that he worked closely with farmers to uplift livelihoods and strengthen Kenya’s livestock and fisheries sectors. His contributions, the President said, remain a cornerstone of national progress.
“He worked very closely with farmers to strengthen their livelihoods, which remains a lasting contribution to our country,” Ruto added.
Other national leaders also remembered Munyao with admiration. Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed deep sorrow, describing him as a patriotic leader who served the nation with honour. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula hailed him as a “distinguished Cabinet Minister” and a figure of calm, focused leadership.
Born on May 4, 1940, in Makueni County, Munyao served as Mbooni MP for three non-consecutive terms and later as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development under President Mwai Kibaki. Before politics, he worked as a bank clerk, served in the provincial administration, and later worked at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow.
As leaders and citizens reflect on his legacy, Munyao is remembered as a quiet servant of the people a leader whose impact will continue to shape communities for generations.
