Kenyan Man Facing Execution in Saudi Arabia Freed After Ksh.129M Settlement

Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who had been facing execution in Saudi Arabia, is set to return home after a $1 million (Ksh. 129 million) settlement was paid, according to UDA party Secretary-General Hassan Omar.

Munyakho, who was employed as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia, was sentenced to death after a fatal altercation with a Yemeni colleague in April 2011. His execution was initially scheduled for May 2023 but was postponed following intervention by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, which engaged both diplomatic and religious leaders in negotiations.

During a state Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, Omar confirmed that the settlement had been honored, ensuring Munyakho’s safe return. He credited key figures such as Saudi religious leader Muhammad Al-Issa, Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Ruwange, and his Saudi counterpart Khalid Al-Salman for their roles in securing the agreement.

“The request has been honored, the $1 million paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe,” Omar announced, emphasizing that Kenyans abroad must respect the laws of their host countries, as government interventions have limitations.

Omar also revealed that President Ruto personally engaged Dr. Al-Issa during his visit to Kenya, leading to the Muslim World League funding the settlement. The league, an international Islamic NGO based in Mecca, promotes moderate Islamic values and played a crucial role in the negotiations.

Munyakho, who has since adopted the name Abdulkareem, had been incarcerated in Shimeisi Prison in the Governorate of Mecca. The Kenyan government is now working on processing his release and travel documents to facilitate his return.

Munyakho’s family has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.

In other news: Nyamira Tragedy: University Student Dies After Brutal Beating by His Uncles

Kenyan Man Facing Execution in Saudi Arabia Freed After Ksh.129M Settlement