Kenyan national Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho, who had spent more than a decade on death row in Saudi Arabia, has been released following the successful payment of $1 million in blood money—a milestone achieved after years of intense diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian appeals.

The Muslim World League facilitated the payment, ultimately sparing Munyakho from execution under Saudi Arabia’s strict legal system. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, confirmed the release, stating that Munyakho was freed at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and has since performed Umrah, a minor Islamic pilgrimage, in Mecca.

“Steve Abdukareem Munyakho… is free as of 10am today pursuant to the full satisfaction of judicial decree,” said Sing’Oei.

Years of Appeals and Diplomatic Pressure

Munyakho, now 50, was convicted in 2013 for the killing of a Yemeni colleague during an altercation at a Red Sea resort where he worked as a warehouse manager. According to his mother, Dorothy Kweyu, the incident began when her son was attacked with a letter opener and retaliated in self-defense, resulting in the colleague’s death.

Although a 2014 appeal reduced the severity of the charge, the death sentence remained under Saudi law. His execution was postponed twice—first in May and again in October 2024—giving Kenyan officials critical time to negotiate with the victim’s family.

Blood Money and the Role of Diya

The turning point came during Ramadan 2025, when UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar revealed during an Iftar dinner at State House that President William Ruto had personally appealed to the Secretary General of the Muslim World League during a visit the previous year. This plea led to the League covering the full $1 million compensation—known in Islamic law as diya, a form of restitution that can lead to forgiveness in murder cases.

“The Saudi Arabian ambassador to Kenya and Kenya’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia confirmed that the request had been honored,” said Omar.
“The Kenyan will return home safe.”

Diya, recognized in about 20 countries across Africa and the Middle East, is a legal mechanism in Islamic law that allows victims’ families to forgive the accused in exchange for financial compensation.

A Mother’s Fight and a Nation’s Relief

Munyakho’s case galvanized public support in Kenya, with his mother, 73-year-old Dorothy Kweyu, leading a tireless campaign for her son’s release. Her efforts, along with persistent diplomatic pressure, ultimately helped secure forgiveness from the victim’s family and led to one of the most high-profile clemency cases in recent Kenyan memory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to release further details regarding Munyakho’s return home, which is now being eagerly awaited by family, supporters, and the broader Kenyan public.

This successful resolution underscores the power of diplomacy, community advocacy, and international cooperation in navigating complex legal and humanitarian challenges abroad.