Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national who was on death row in Saudi Arabia, is set to return home following a successful diplomatic intervention. His release was facilitated by the Muslim World League, which paid a settlement of Ksh 129.5 million ($1 million), as revealed by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Omar disclosed that negotiations between Kenyan and Saudi officials led to Munyakho’s freedom. The diplomatic efforts were coordinated at State House, underscoring Ruto’s involvement.
“Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League to State House. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia,” Omar stated.
The successful negotiations were confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Khalid Al Salman, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange.
A Warning to Kenyans Abroad
While celebrating Munyakho’s release, Omar urged Kenyans living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, emphasizing that government intervention has its limits.
“To all Kenyans abroad—whether in Vietnam, Malaysia, or South Africa—obey the laws of the countries you live in. The government can intervene, but there are limits,” he cautioned.
The Background of Munyakho’s Case
Munyakho, who later adopted the name Abdulkareem, was convicted of killing a Yemeni national and had been imprisoned since 2012. To avoid execution, he was required to raise Ksh 150 million as compensation to the victim’s family. His execution was initially set for May 15, 2025, but Kenya’s diplomatic efforts secured a one-year postponement before his eventual release.
His case gained national attention after his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, appealed to the Kenyan government for intervention.
Munyakho’s reprieve comes amid ongoing efforts to save another Kenyan, Margaret Nduta, who faces execution in Vietnam for drug trafficking. The government is currently working on an appeal for her release.
