Makueni County is grappling with the sudden loss of two senior figures in local politics and public service. Former Mbooni MP Joseph Konzolo Munyao and County Executive Committee Member Dr. Sonia Nzilani both died on November 22, 2025, leaving a significant void in the region’s leadership.
Munyao, aged 85, passed away at Nairobi Hospital’s Karen branch, where he had been receiving treatment for nerve-related complications, his brother told a local publication..
A veteran of Kenyan politics, he represented Mbooni in Parliament for three non-consecutive terms and served as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries under President Mwai Kibaki, contributing to agricultural and rural development initiatives.
Dr. Sonia Nzilani, who held the Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism portfolio in Makueni County, was found unresponsive at her home in Makindu.
According to close aides, she had been scheduled to attend a tree-planting event but did not arrive, prompting concern. Access to her residence was gained through a window after her room remained locked, and medics later confirmed her death.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti paid tribute to both leaders, noting their enduring influence in public service.
“I join the people of Makueni and the entire region in mourning two remarkable leaders who left us yesterday,” she said, describing the dual loss as a significant blow to the county.
She extended condolences to their families and called on the community to honour their legacies.
Born and raised in Makueni, Munyao began his career as a bank clerk before entering politics, where he earned a reputation for measured leadership and a focus on grassroots development.
Nzilani, a holder of a PhD in Natural Resources, was recognized for her environmental advocacy, particularly initiatives promoting tree planting and sustainable land use in the county.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through Makueni’s political landscape.
Munyao’s passing marks the loss of a seasoned lawmaker who played a role in shaping the county’s representation in national governance, while Nzilani’s death removes a younger voice active in policy implementation and environmental stewardship.