- Munyakho was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over a workplace incident in 2011.
- His release was made possible after the Kenyan government paid KSh129M in blood money.
- He will arrive at JKIA at 11 p.m. tonight, July 28.
- Musalia Mudavadi praised diplomatic efforts and President Ruto’s direct intervention.
- The “Bring Back Stevo” campaign and Kenyan donors played a key role in securing freedom.
Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 28, after 13 years behind bars.
His release follows the payment of KSh129 million in blood money (diyya) to the family of the deceased, an agreement that paved the way for the deferment of his death sentence and subsequent release.
According to a statement from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the diplomatic breakthrough was made possible through sustained government efforts, public support, and the intervention of President William Ruto, who personally reached out to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“A combination of sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of Kenya, philanthropic contributions from Kenyans, and their prayers bore fruit,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
Mudavadi acknowledged the relentless work by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei and the “Bring Back Stevo” Campaign Committee led by Joseph Odindo.
Stephen Munyakho had been imprisoned at Shimeisi Prison since April 9, 2011, after a fatal altercation at his workplace. Though initially sentenced to five years in 2013, a successful appeal by the deceased’s family led to a death sentence.
His execution was deferred in 2024, and by March 2025, after fulfilling all legal requirements and paying the blood money, Kenya secured his full release.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyans abroad,” the statement added.
