Stephen Munyakho Returns to Kenya After Nearly 14 Years in Saudi Custody

Stephen “Stevo” Munyakho, a Kenyan national who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, is set to arrive back in Kenya tonight after spending nearly 14 years behind bars. His release, confirmed on July 22, marks the end of a long and emotionally charged ordeal involving death row, diyya negotiations, and high‑level diplomatic intervention.

Homecoming Confirmed

According to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Munyakho is scheduled to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Jeddah around 11 pm tonight, Monday, July 28, 2025 . Originally slated to return on July 23, his departure was postponed before being rescheduled for today

From Manslaughter to Death Sentence

Munyakho, who was working in Saudi Arabia as a warehouse manager in 2011, was initially convicted of manslaughter following a fatal fight with a coworker. He received a five-year jail term, but upon appeal, the charges were escalated to murder, carrying a death sentence by sword under Saudi law

A Path to Freedom: Diyya and Diplomacy

The man’s execution was avoided after the deceased’s family accepted diyya—a traditional Islamic form of blood compensation. The total settlement amounted to approximately Ksh 129–130 million (about $1 million), facilitated by contributions from the Muslim World League, Kenyan religious organizations, and public donations

Diplomatic efforts were crucial: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi formally intervened with Saudi authorities, while President William Ruto reportedly communicated directly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to delay the execution and open dialogue. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei led the coordination efforts alongside the Bring Back Stevo campaign

Faith and Advocacy

The campaign to secure Munyakho’s release captured national attention. His mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, led public appeals and mobilized support for years . Civil society groups including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops played critical roles in rallying financial and emotional support from all corners of Kenya

Timeline Summary

What This Means

Munyakho’s return is not simply a personal victory—it stands as a testament to the power of solidarity, religious diplomacy, and earnest government advocacy. His freedom underscores the effectiveness of combining legal provisions like diyya (recognized under Islamic law) with measured foreign policy and humanitarian appeals.

As his pan-African story continues into its next chapter, Munyakho’s release brings relief to many while reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad.