After more than a decade behind bars in Saudi Arabia, a Kenyan national, Stephen Munyakho, is finally coming home—a bittersweet end to a long and painful chapter for his family and supporters.
Munyakho, who had been on death row since 2012, was facing execution over the death of a Yemeni national, a case that required him to pay KSh 150 million in blood money to the victim’s family to avoid the death penalty.
His release marks the culmination of years of tireless lobbying, fundraising and diplomatic negotiations.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the news on Tuesday, announcing that Munyakho had walked free following the satisfaction of a Saudi court decree.
“Steve Abdukareem Munyako is free as of 10am today,” said Sing’Oei in a brief statement. “Our mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umrah (minor pilgrimage) upon release.”The PS added that further details about Munyakho’s return to Kenya will be communicated in due course.
While it’s still unclear whether the full blood money amount was paid in cash or waived through diplomatic channels, the government credited a wide range of contributors, including faith-based groups, well-wishers, and international partners, for helping secure the release.
Munyakho’s case captured the nation’s attention after his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, made an emotional public appeal for the government to intervene and save her son from execution.
Earlier this year, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary-general Hassan Omar revealed that the Muslim World League had stepped in to cover the fine.
Speaking at a State House Iftar dinner in March, Omar said a settlement of roughly KSh 129 million was agreed upon, thanks to coordinated talks between Nairobi and Riyadh.
“This was a joint effort; the State House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our international faith partners all worked behind the scenes to make this happen,” Omar said at the time.The long-awaited breakthrough is being seen as a major diplomatic win and a testament to the power of collective action. For Munyakho and his family, it’s also a deeply personal victory a second chance at life, and a long-overdue homecoming.
