Joy as Kenyan released from Saudi jail rejoins his family
By Abiner Nyabuto and Lavender Kusimba, July 29, 2025“It is a miracle,” that is all the mother of a Kenyan held in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade before his release last week could say.
In a conversation with People Daily on July 28, 2025, an elated Dorothy Kweyu Munyakho was still trying to come to terms with the release of his son, Stephen Munyakho.
In an earlier communication, Dorothy, a veteran journalist, could hardly hide her excitement.
“You did it, my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, na wajukuu pia (grandchildren too). Without your Ksh20 million to show our seriousness, God may not have asked the Muslim World League to come to our rescue,” Dorothy said.
Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, was expected to return home on July 28, 2025.
His flight was expected to touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11 pm from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Munyakho’s release follows a combination of diplomatic efforts, philanthropic support, and prayers.
His death sentence, handed down last year, was deferred after the family of the deceased accepted Diyya (“blood” money) amounting to approximately Ksh129 million, paving the way for his release.
Dorothy had mobilised her colleagues and friends to raise the money, but only managed about Ksh20 million, with getting the remainder appearing to be a herculean task.
On July 28, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, thanked all those whose efforts led to Munyakho’s release.
Diplomatic channels
Immediately after he was handed down the death sentence, Mudavadi officially wrote to the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, intervening on behalf of Munyakho, and the execution was deferred.
Mudavadi thanked President William Ruto, who intervened by speaking directly with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, requesting a delay in the execution as Kenya pursued the matter diplomatically.
He thanked those who made their monetary contribution towards the payment of Diyya, which was set at approximately Ksh129 million, and particularly a special mention for the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), and Kenyan Muslim Community, the Muslim World League, the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Churches Bishops, and millions of Kenyans through their contributions and prayers.
Mudavadi also acknowledged the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing the opportunity to engage them diplomatically, something he termed as a “testament to the deep and friendly relationship between the two countries”.
Others whom Mudavadi commended were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, for his relentless diplomatic efforts, and also the “Bring Back Stevo Campaign” strategy committee, chaired by Joseph Odindo.
The CS singled out Munyakho’s family, led by the indefatigable spirit of his mother, Dorothy.
Dorothy, a veteran journalist, has over the years fought tirelessly, appealing to the government, human rights organisations, and well-wishers to raise the Diyya.
After she personally visited their offices, Supkem began engaging key partners in Saudi Arabia.
Supkem Chairman Hassan Ole Naado said Munyakho’s case was given special consideration, given that there was no premeditated intent to kill.
“It was observed that Steve never intended to kill the victim, given that he and the victim were, in fact, good friends save for the very unfortunate fight that led to the victim’s death,” Ole Naado said.
Munyakho had spent more than a decade in Saudi custody after being convicted over a fatal altercation with a colleague in 2011.
Initially charged with manslaughter, his sentence was later upgraded to murder, carrying the death penalty under Sharia law.
Earlier this year, the Muslim World League, with the support of the government and religious leaders, facilitated the payment of $1 million (approximately Ksh130 million) as Diyya to the victim’s family. The payment led to the commutation of his sentence and eventual release.
Under Islamic law, Diyya compensates a victim or their family. It can be paid for a variety of crimes, from murder to injury and damage to property.
Diyya can lead to a reduction in sentence and in certain circumstances, a pardon. It is currently applied in about 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa, including Sudan and northern Nigeria.
The Quran supports the paying of Diyya, and this was further clarified by the Prophet Muhammad, who explained in his teachings that the price for murder or manslaughter should be 100 camels.
Modern interpretations mean this amount differs in different countries, as Diyya is now usually paid in cash.