Why Stephen Munyakho’s case is symbolic – PS Sing’Oei

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has described Stephen Munyakho’s case as the most symbolic the government of Kenya has handled.

Sing’Oei said that among the cases, Munyakho’s presented an impossible situation.

He, however, noted that through his mother’s determination and faith that it could be done, it became possible.

The PS added that the prayers and support from Kenyans came in handy and that he is pleased Munyako is finally home.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to defend all citizens.

“This case is one of several others where the Kenyan government has demonstrated it is willing and ready and able to defend its citizens," the PS said.

“The case of Stephen Munyakho is the most emblematic of all because it represented a completely impossible situation but because of the persistence of the mother and her faith in the possibility of the release of her son and because of the prayers of Kenyans and our unity of purpose, today I’m so very pleased Stephen Munyakho is back home."

The Foreign Affairs PS was among the officials who received Munyakho at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upon arrival.

Munyakho was accompanied by the Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Ruwange.

Speaking after he was received by his family, friends and government officials, Munyakho said he was grateful to have a second chance at life.

He asked for time to rest before addressing what he had been through.

“I’m glad to be back home in Kenya. My presence here today is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to begin by thanking Allah for the gift of life,” he said.

“I’m grateful to Allah for this second chance that I have been granted. It’s wonderful to be back home, but please allow me some time to rest and reorganise myself before I can speak further."

Munyakho thanked everyone who prayed for him, encouraged him, and contributed towards his freedom and return home.

He had been working as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia when a dispute with his Yemeni colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, turned fatal in April 2011.

He was initially found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years, but the ruling was overturned on appeal, leading to a murder conviction and a death sentence under Sharia law.

The sentence was eventually suspended after the victim’s family accepted diya (blood money), and Munyakho was released on July 22, 2025, after the conditions of the judicial decree were met.