Stephen Munyakho, a 51-year-old Kenyan who was saved from a death sentence in Saudi Arabia, has finally arrived in Kenya.
Munyakho touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the morning of Tuesday, July 29, from Jeddah to an emotional welcome from his mother, Dorothy Kweyu, and friends.
Also present to welcome him was the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, who led the government intervention to save him from a death penalty after being found guilty of killing a Yemeni co-worker in 2011.
Speaking after his arrival at JKIA, Munyakho, now known as Abdukareem, termed his release a miracle.
“I’m glad to be back home. My presence here today is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to begin by thanking Allah for the gift of life and this second chance. I also want to thank everyone who prayed for me and contributed towards my freedom and return home," said Munyakho.Earlier this year, a combined effort by the Kenyan government and the Muslim World League raised Ksh129 million to pay the compensation. With the raised funds, Munyakho was officially pardoned, and on July 22, he was granted release from prison.