Munyakho is finally free: Kenyan man on death row in Saudi Arabia released

Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia, is finally free.

The good news was announced Tuesday by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei.

“Steve Abdukareem Munyakho, the Kenyan national who has been on death row in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is free as at 10 am today pursuant to the full satisfaction of judicial decree”, the PS communicated the news on his X.

Munyakho had been working in Saudi Arabia as a warehouse manager when he was involved in a fight with a Yemeni colleague in April 2011. The colleague later succumbed to his injuries, leading to Munyakho’s conviction in 2012.

Sing’oei said Kenya’s mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Munyakho, now known as Abdulkareem and the eldest son of veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, performed his Umrah (minor pilgrimage) upon release. He added that further details regarding his return to the country will be provided in due course.

Additionally, he commended all those who had been involved in the efforts to secure his release.

“Our Mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umra (minor pilgrimage) 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,” he noted.

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.

Last year, a campaign was launched under the hashtag #LetsBringBackStevo, aiming to raise Ksh 150 million from Kenyans.

He was due to be executed last May but the Kenyan government at the time said Saudi authorities agreed to put it off pending further negotiations involving not only diplomats but religious leaders.