National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has mourned the death of former Mbooni MP and Cabinet Minister Joseph Munyao, describing him as a leader who rose through discipline and hard work to serve the country.
The Speaker issued his condolence message on X, noting that Munyao’s journey in public life reflected a deep commitment to national service.
Munyao was a prominent figure in Makueni politics and held influential roles in government during earlier administrations.
As a Cabinet Minister, he participated in policy debates at a time when Kenya was undergoing major governance and economic transitions. His tenure coincided with periods marked by shifts from single-party rule to competitive multiparty politics, which reshaped leadership dynamics across the country.
In his message, Wetang’ula said he received the news of Munyao’s death with “profound sorrow,” describing the former minister as a “true son of the soil.”
He emphasized Munyao’s rise from an accounts clerk to a senior government position, stating that the late politician embodied resilience, integrity, and dedication to public duty. The Speaker added that Munyao’s life story continues to inspire many Kenyans working in public service.
Munyao represented Mbooni during a period when constituency leadership focused heavily on rural development, infrastructure improvement, and agricultural reforms.
His work contributed to discussions that shaped national priorities in those years, particularly around service delivery in semi-arid regions of Eastern Kenya.
Leaders from Makueni and the larger Ukambani region have long credited figures like Munyao for laying the foundation for later political and administrative reforms.
While Wetang’ula did not disclose details surrounding the former minister’s death, the Speaker expressed solidarity with Munyao’s family and associates as they prepare to communicate funeral arrangements.
County officials and former colleagues are expected to issue formal statements in the coming days.