NAIROBI — Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man once sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, is set to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport tonight at 11:00 PM. His return comes after more than a decade behind bars, ending a drawn-out case that tested diplomatic relations and rallied national support.
Steven Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 after a fatal confrontation with a Yemeni colleague in Jeddah, where he had worked as a warehouse manager. The colleague later died from injuries sustained during the altercation. In 2023, a Saudi court handed Munyakho a death sentence. Execution had been scheduled for May 2024, but it was put on hold following direct intervention from President William Ruto, who appealed to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for clemency.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed Munyakho’s release and return on Monday. “His release is a result of consistent diplomatic engagement and cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Mudavadi stated.
A key turning point came after the victim’s family agreed to accept Ksh129 million in diya compensation allowed under Islamic law funded by the Muslim World League. The payment led to a formal pardon, sparing Munyakho from execution.
Following his release, Munyakho embraced Islam and adopted the name Abdulkareem. He also performed the Umrah pilgrimage before preparing for his return to Kenya.
His mother, Dorothy Kweyu, led public fundraising efforts under the #LetsBringBackStevo campaign. Civil society groups, religious leaders, and government officials joined the effort, pressing for his release and drawing attention to the plight of Kenyans jailed abroad.
Mudavadi acknowledged the support of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei for their roles in securing the release.
“I thank all the individuals and institutions that worked tirelessly for this outcome,” Mudavadi said. “The government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of Kenyans working overseas.”
Munyakho’s return comes amid broader calls for stronger support systems for Kenyan migrant workers, especially those in Middle Eastern countries where legal and labor challenges persist. He is expected to reunite with his family at JKIA later tonight.
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