‘Being here is a miracle’. Steve Munyakho, freed from death row in Saudi says upon arrival at JKIA
Steve Munyakho, a 51-year-old Kenyan man who was last week freed from death row in a Saudi Arabian prison, returned home to an emotional welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday night.
Munyakho, now known as Abdukareem, arrived from Jeddah accompanied by Kenya’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Ruwange, and was received by his overjoyed family, including his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu and friends.
Also present to welcome him were the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and members of the Bring Back Stevo Strategy Committee, a group that had been instrumental in advocating for his release.
After years of anguish and uncertainty, the reunion was filled with relief and celebration. Speaking to the press, an elated Munyakho described his release and return as “a miracle.”
His homecoming marks the end of a long and painful chapter for his family, who never gave up hope despite the grim circumstances surrounding his incarceration.
“I’m glad to be back home. 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.
He further thanked the Kenyan government, the Muslim World League, and all who played a role in securing his release.
“Some of you I know, but the vast majority, in your tens of thousands, were simply touched by the misfortune of a total stranger,” 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,” he added.
His mother expressed deep gratitude to the government and Kenyans for their unwavering support.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, Ambassador Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, for delivering my firstborn safely back to me. Thanks so much, God’s people, for your prayers and material contributions towards Stevo’s release,” said Dorothy Kweyu.
