Joseph Konzolo Munyao, a veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister, has died at the age of 85.
He passed away on Saturday afternoon while receiving treatment at a Nairobi Hospital.
Munyao was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, founded by former President Mwai Kibaki, and remained active as recently as July 2023. He is remembered for reviving the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) in 2006 after 15 years of closure, aiming to boost Kenya’s meat industry both domestically and for export.
At the reopening, he said: "The revival of KMC presents the possibility of exporting meat and meat products which provide higher returns as compared to live animals."
Born on May 4, 1940, Munyao studied at Machakos High School and began his career as a bank clerk in 1962. He later worked in the office of President Jomo Kenyatta before running his own company, Plastic Products Kenya Limited.
He entered politics in 1963 and was elected Mbooni MP in 1975. After several electoral victories and defeats, including a nomination between 1998 and 2002, he reclaimed Mbooni in 2002 and was appointed Minister for Livestock.
Following his political career, he focused on farming at his Kalawa farm in Makueni County, raising dairy, poultry, goats, and later growing citrus fruits and cotton.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula paid tribute, saying: "It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of the passing of Hon. Joseph Munyao. Kenya has lost a true son of the soil. Hon. Munyao embodied resilience and determination, rising through hard work and commitment to serve as Cabinet Minister."
"I join the Munyao family and the Nation in mourning Hon. Joseph K. Munyao. He was humble, disciplined, and devoted to the service of others. His faithful life and service have been recognised in the highest place, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior described Munyao as a leader who "served our nation with dedication and humility as the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development" and had "a deep commitment to the wellbeing of his constituents."
"His contribution to leadership and development will be remembered with great respect," he added.
