Mudavadi hails Saudi diplomacy in release of Kenyan who was on death row
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 30, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating the release of Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man who returned home on Monday evening, July 28, 2025, after spending 14 years on death row in the Middle East.
Munyakho, who now goes by the name Abdulkareem, arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly before midnight on a flight from Jeddah. His homecoming brought an emotional end to a painful chapter that began in 2011, when he was sentenced to death following the death of a Yemeni colleague during a violent altercation.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Mudavadi said Saudi Arabia’s willingness to allow diplomatic intervention reflected the strength of relations between Nairobi and Riyadh.
“I also want to acknowledge the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said, “for providing him and the Government of Kenya with an opportunity to engage diplomatically, a testament to the deep and friendly relationships between the two countries.”
Diplomacy, compensation secured freedom
Munyakho was initially convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. However, following an appeal, the charge was upgraded to murder, leading to a death sentence by beheading. His execution was postponed after the victim’s family agreed to accept diyya (blood money), a form of compensation under Islamic law.
Mudavadi paid tribute to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure Munyakho’s freedom.
“I want to pay special mention to P.S. Koril Sing’oei for his relentless diplomatic efforts, including staying out at night to welcome Stephen back to Nairobi,” he said.
He added that many envoys had supported Munyakho’s case over the years.
“Steve will tell you that he has gone through the hands of four ambassadors during that period that he was going through this challenge. And one of the people who was there is Ambassador Ibrahim who is with us here.”
The Kenyan government, in collaboration with the Muslim World League, helped raise Ksh129 million in compensation to secure Munyakho’s release. After his release on July 22, 2025, he performed Umrah before being transferred to a deportation centre for final clearance.