Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national who was on death row in Saudi Arabia for a manslaughter conviction, is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tonight.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs confirmed that Munyakho will arrive at 11 pm from Saudi Arabia.
His return follows intense diplomatic efforts, financial contributions, and prayers from Kenyans both at home and abroad.
“This release is a result of collective efforts. We thank every Kenyan who offered support, financially and through prayers,” Mudavadi said.
Munyakho’s death sentence, which was handed down last year, was lifted after the family of the deceased accepted diya, also known as blood money.
The payment amounted to approximately Sh129 million.
The sentence was deferred following the intervention of the Prime CS who wrote to the Saudi Foreign Minister to plead for a deferment, and that of President William Ruto, who spoke directly with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, seeking a diplomatic solution.
Mudavadi in a statement, thanked Kenyans who contributed financially to the blood money settlement.
He also appreciated the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Kenyan Muslim Community, the Muslim World League, and the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops for their support.
The Prime CS commended the Saudi Arabian government for allowing diplomatic dialogue to proceed and the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei for his tireless diplomatic efforts, affirming the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyans living abroad.
“We will continue to ensure better living conditions for all Kenyans outside the country.”
Munyakho was officially released on Tuesday, July 22.
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed the release, saying he was set free at 10 am on Tuesday, following the satisfaction of a judicial decree.
“Our Mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umra (minor pilgrimage) upon release,” Sing’oei said in a statement.
“We shall provide further details regarding his arrival in the country. I commend all who have offered their support towards securing this outcome.”
Munyakho had spent more than a decade in Saudi custody after being convicted over a fatal altercation with a colleague in 2011.
Initially charged with manslaughter, his sentence was later upgraded to murder, carrying the death penalty under Shariah law.
Earlier this year, the Muslim World League, with the support of the government and religious leaders, facilitated the payment of $1 million (approximately Sh130 million) as diya (blood money) to the victim’s family.
The payment led to the commutation of his sentence and eventual release.
Munyakho’s mother, Dorothy Kweyu, a veteran journalist, has over the years fought tirelessly, appealing to the government, human rights organisations, and well-wishers to raise the diya.
