Munyakho returns home after Saudi Arabia death sentence lifted

Stephen Munyakho.

Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man previously sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, is expected to arrive in Nairobi on Monday night after a successful diplomatic and community-led campaign secured his release.

Munyakho's return follows the payment of diyya (blood money) amounting to approximately Sh 129 million, which was accepted by the family of the deceased, clearing the way for his freedom.

He is scheduled to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 11 p.m. from Jeddah, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said the outcome resulted from sustained efforts by the government, civil society and individual Kenyans.

"Immediately when he was sentenced to death, I wrote to the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and requested intervention," noted Mudavadi in a statement signed by Director of Press Service Jacob Ng'etich.

He added that President William Ruto also stepped in personally.

"President Ruto spoke directly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and requested a delay in the execution to allow us to engage diplomatically," explained Mudavadi.

The foreign ministry said the Sh 129 million was raised through contributions from religious institutions, community groups and individuals across Kenya.

"I appreciate every Kenyan who gave whatever they could, including SUPKEM, the Muslim World League, the Kenyan Muslim Community and the Conference of Catholic Bishops," observed Mudavadi.

Munyakho had been sentenced to death in 2024, but execution was deferred after diplomatic intervention. His case drew widespread public attention, spurring national efforts to secure his release.