Stephen Munyakho alias Stevo, a Kenyan national who spent 13 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, has been released following a pardon granted earlier today. The good news came from Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei. In a statement shared on social media, Sing’oei confirmed, “Steve Abdukareem Munyakho… is free as at 10 a.m. today pursuant to the full satisfaction of judicial decree.”
Steven Abdulkareem Munyakho , was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 after a fatal altercation with a Yemeni coworker. The incident occurred in April 2011 while Steven Munyakho was employed as a warehouse manager in the Kingdom. The colleague later died from injuries sustained in the conflict, leading to Steven Munyakho’s sentencing under Saudi Arabia’s strict legal system.
Saudi Arabia authorities had scheduled Munyakho’s execution for May 2024. However, diplomatic negotiations halted the process. Key figures, including Kenyan diplomats and Muslim leaders, intervened in ongoing efforts to spare his life.
According to PS Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s embassy in Riyadh verified that Steven Munyakho completed his Umrah, a minor Islamic pilgrimage, shortly after his release. His return to Kenya is expected soon, with government officials promising an official update.
“Our mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umrah upon release. We shall provide further details regarding his arrival in the country. I commend all who have offered their support towards securing this outcome,” PS Korir Sing’oei said.
Stephen is the eldest son of respected Kenyan journalist Dorothy Kweyu.
In March, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar, during the State Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House, said the Muslim World League paid Ksh 129 million blood money needed for his release and pardon from execution.
The financial settlement followed a grassroots campaign launched in 2023 under the hashtag #LetsBringBackStevo. Organizers aimed to raise Ksh 150 million to secure Steven Munyakho’s release. The effort gained traction across Kenya, attracting attention from civil society groups, faith leaders, and members of the diaspora.
Steven Munyakho’s case drew widespread attention due to the severity of his sentence and the extended appeals process. Saudi Arabia’s judicial system enforces capital punishment for murder and other serious crimes under Sharia law, though manslaughter cases may allow for clemency through diyya payments.
His release ends a decade-long legal and diplomatic struggle. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, family members, and religious advocates worked behind the scenes to negotiate terms of clemency with Saudi officials and the victim’s family.
No official timeline for his return has been announced. However, his release has been welcomed across Kenya, where citizens and officials had rallied to prevent his execution.
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