Members of Parliament on Thursday took to the House floor to celebrate the life and work of Joseph Munyao, a former Cabinet Minister who served in the administration of President Mwai Kibaki. Munyao is widely remembered for reviving the Kenya Meat Commission in 2006 after it had been non-operational for 15 years, leaving a lasting mark on the nation’s agricultural sector.
Munyao passed away on Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
Mbooni MP Erastus Nzioka led tributes, highlighting Munyao’s role in key parliamentary committees, including the Security Committee, and describing him as a dedicated servant of the people. “He was a leader to be remembered by future generations,” Nzioka said.
Echoing these sentiments, Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna reflected on his long political journey alongside Munyao, praising his steadfast commitment to public service. Similarly, Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie, who chairs the National Assembly’s Communication, Information, and Innovation Committee, lauded Munyao as both a historian and a statesman.
"He is among the last of a dying breed of principled politicians who stood for something and were very patriotic, not only to the village but also to the country of Kenya. When the story of Munyao is written, there will be a whole chapter on his participation in the formation of the democratic party and the rise of Mwai Kibaki's leadership," Kiarie said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan also shared personal memories, recounting how Munyao would offer encouragement during difficult moments. “Munyao, when at times we were so tired and so annoyed, he would have said, 'It's not yet held; don't give up. We've lost a great leader,'” Keynan recalled.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah added his tribute, describing Munyao as a remarkable leader whose political legacy would be remembered.
“He goes down in history as a good leader in our country. Were it not for the late Munyao, we probably would never have had the opportunity to have the services that were rendered to this country by the late Mwai Kibaki. He courageously supported Kibaki, leading to the formation of the NARC coalition,” Ichung’wah said.
He also reflected on a moment he described as an embarrassment linked to the party Munyao served as secretary general during the Kibaki era.
Ichung’wah recalled the recent confrontation involving current Party Leader Justin Muturi and Thuku Kiruga, a Member of the County Assembly for Chinga ward in Nyeri County, over allegations of wearing United Democratic Alliance colours during the Mbeere North by-election, drawing a line back to Munyao’s political influence.
Munyao’s contributions, from revitalizing key national institutions to shaping political movements, were remembered as enduring and foundational, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire lawmakers and citizens alike.
