Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who was facing execution in Saudi Arabia, is set to return home after a successful diplomatic intervention. The Muslim World League facilitated his release by paying a settlement of Ksh 129.5 million ($1 million), according to UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at State House hosted by President William Ruto, Omar revealed that negotiations involving Saudi and Kenyan officials led to Munyakho’s freedom. The diplomatic efforts were coordinated at State House, hinting at Ruto’s involvement.
“Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League to State House. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia,” Omar stated.
The negotiations were confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Khalid Al Salman, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange.
A Warning to Kenyans Abroad
While celebrating Munyakho’s release, Omar warned Kenyans living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries, stating that government intervention has its limits.
“To all Kenyans abroad—whether in Vietnam, Malaysia, or South Africa—obey the laws of the countries you live in. The government can intervene, but there are limits,” he cautioned.
Background of the Case
Munyakho, who changed his name to Abdulkareem, was convicted of killing a Yemeni national and had been imprisoned since 2012. He was initially required to raise Ksh 150 million as compensation to the victim’s family to avoid execution. His execution was scheduled for May 15, 2025, but Kenya’s diplomatic intervention secured a one-year postponement before his eventual release.
The case gained national attention after his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, pleaded with the Kenyan government to intervene.
Munyakho’s reprieve comes as another Kenyan, Margaret Nduta, faces execution in Vietnam for drug trafficking, with the government currently appealing for her release.
