Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 28.
According to a press release from the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, Munyakho's release was made possible after the family of the deceased accepted diyya (blood money) amounting to approximately KSh 129 million.
This payment paved the way for the deferment of his death sentence and his eventual release.
“A combination of sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of Kenya, philanthropic contributions from Kenyans, and their prayers bore fruit,” the statement read in part.
Mudavadi thanked all those who participated in the campaign to secure Munyakho’s freedom, noting that when the death sentence was handed down, he personally intervened by writing to the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia.
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“PCS thanked President William Ruto, who intervened by speaking directly with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, as Kenya pursued the matter diplomatically,” the statement noted.
Mudavadi also praised Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei and the “Bring Back Stevo Campaign” committee led by Joseph Odindo for their tireless advocacy and coordination.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyans abroad,” they affirmed.
Stephen Munyakho had been held at Shimeisi Prison in Saudi Arabia since April 9, 2011, following a fatal workplace altercation that resulted in the death of a colleague.
He was convicted of manslaughter in 2013 and sentenced to five years, but the family of the deceased appealed, leading to a death sentence.
Following intense bilateral negotiations, including a temporary deferment of the execution in 2024, the Government of Kenya secured his release after fulfilling the blood money condition in March 2025.
