Munyakho expresses gratitude after 14 years on Saudi death row
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 30, 2025Stephen Munyakho, also known as Abdulkareem, has expressed deep gratitude to the Kenyan government, diplomats, and citizens following his return home after 14 years on death row in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, July 28, 2025, Munyakho expressed his gratitude.
“You don’t know how I feel,” he said. “It’s only I who knows how I feel. At the same time, words cannot express it.”
Munyakho, who was arrested in 2011 following a fatal altercation with a Yemeni colleague while working as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia, was initially sentenced to five years for manslaughter. However, the charge was later upgraded to murder, and he was sentenced to death by beheading.
After years of diplomatic efforts, financial contributions, and negotiations, the victim’s family agreed to accept diyya (blood money), a practice under Islamic law. This allowed Munyakho to be spared execution and ultimately freed. He was released from prison on July 22, 2025, after the Kenyan government, in collaboration with the Muslim World League, raised Ksh129 million in compensation.
Gratitude for unwavering support
In his statement, Munyakho thanked everyone who contributed to his release and safe return.
“I would just like to thank each and everybody, right from the Office of the President, the Foreign Ministry, the ambassadors that I worked with, the Kenyans at large. Your prayers, your contributions never went unnoticed,” he said.
“I feel indebted and I don’t know how I can ever pay back. Just accept my humble thanks, and I’m sure in later days we shall talk more.”
He added that his return home still felt surreal.
“As we say, the day is still young. So I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I thank you all for coming. We look forward to meeting you again. Thank you.”
Munyakho’s story has captured national attention, with many Kenyans calling his return a miracle. His homecoming stands as a symbol of resilience, diplomacy, and the power of collective support.