- Stephen Munyakho returned home after spending 14 years in a Saudi jail, where he had been sentenced to death.
- He had been convicted of murder following a workplace altercation in 2011.
- His execution was halted after the victim’s family accepted compensation (blood money).
- The Kenyan government and the Muslim World League raised KSh129 million to secure his freedom.
- Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi played a major role in diplomatic talks that led to his release.
- Munyakho landed at JKIA to an emotional welcome from family, friends, and officials.
Tears of joy flowed and prayers filled the air at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday night as Stephen Munyakho, now known as Abdulkareem, finally set foot on Kenyan soil. His arrival from Saudi Arabia brought an end to a 14-year ordeal marked by fear, pain, and hope. His family, friends, and government officials embraced him with deep emotions, calling it a true blessing.
Munyakho’s nightmare started back in April 2011 when he worked as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia. An argument with a Yemeni colleague turned violent, and sadly, the man later died from injuries. What first appeared to be a five-year jail term for manslaughter later turned worse; an appeal changed the charge to murder, and he was handed a death sentence by beheading under Saudi law.
Fortunately, Munyakho’s life was spared when the deceased’s family agreed to pardon him in exchange for blood money, an Islamic law option allowing forgiveness through financial settlement. This move paused the execution, giving room for possible intervention and negotiations.
Efforts to save Munyakho intensified when Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reached out directly to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister. Mudavadi pleaded for clemency on humanitarian grounds. The Muslim World League and the Kenyan government came together to raise a staggering KSh129 million to compensate the victim’s family, finally unlocking the door to Munyakho’s freedom.
After years of uncertainty, the Saudi justice system officially concluded Munyakho’s case on July 22, 2025. He was allowed to perform Umrah before being moved from Shimeisi Prison to a deportation centre awaiting travel clearance. Everything had finally aligned in his favour.
In a statement from Prime CS Mudavadi’s office, the government praised the release, saying it was a clear example of the power of diplomatic efforts, unity, and prayer. Officials noted that the entire process reflected Kenya’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
For Munyakho’s family, the reunion felt like a dream come true. Years of tears, fear, and unanswered questions were finally replaced with happiness. “It’s a miracle,” said a relative at the airport. “We held on to hope, and now he’s here with us.”
As the country celebrates his safe return, Munyakho now begins a new journey of healing and reconnecting with his people. After over a decade behind bars, he’s finally back—free, forgiven, and embraced.
