Kenyan national Stephen Munyakho, who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia for over a decade, is set to return home after a fine of Sh129.5 million was paid to secure his release. The payment, facilitated by the Muslim World League, was made following a direct appeal for intervention by President William Ruto.
Speaking during the State Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar confirmed that the Saudi Arabian government had honored Kenya’s request for clemency.
“The President made a passionate request regarding a Kenyan who was facing death by beheading for murder. The Saudi Arabian ambassador to Kenya and Kenya’s ambassador in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that the request has been honored. The $1 million has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe,” Omar stated.
Munyakho, 50, formerly a warehouse manager, was convicted of murder in 2014 following an altercation with his colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, on April 9, 2011. During the confrontation, Saleh sustained stab wounds to his left thigh and thumb. He later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital.
Initially, Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in October 2011. However, a Shariah court later upgraded his sentence to murder in June 2014, making him eligible for execution by beheading. His execution was delayed for years due to legal complexities under Sharia law, which required consent from the victim’s family for the punishment to be carried out.
Negotiations for blood money, known as diya under Islamic law, were initiated, and in 2019, the victim’s family demanded 10 million riyals (approximately Sh352.2 million). After years of diplomatic engagement, the amount was eventually reduced to 3.5 million riyals (Sh129.5 million) last November.
Munyakho’s return marks a significant diplomatic victory for Kenya, showcasing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad. His case highlights the complexities of international legal systems and the role of diplomatic efforts in securing justice and mercy for those caught in foreign judicial processes.
