Stephen Bertrand Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia, is poised to return home following a significant intervention by the Muslim World League.
The organization facilitated the payment of $1 million (approximately KSh 129.5 million) to secure Munyakho’s release.
Munyakho, 50, had been residing and working as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia since his early twenties.
In April 2011, a dispute with a Yemeni colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, tragically resulted in Saleh’s death.
Initially convicted of manslaughter, Munyakho’s sentence was later escalated to murder by a Shariah court in June 2014, leading to a death sentence by beheading.
The case drew national attention, especially after Munyakho’s mother, Dorothy Kweyu, initiated a fervent campaign to save her son from execution.
In response, President William Ruto personally appealed for assistance from the Muslim World League.
This appeal culminated in a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where the League’s Secretary-General pledged support.
Following extensive negotiations, the Muslim World League provided the required $1 million blood money, leading to the suspension of Munyakho’s execution.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar confirmed the development during an Iftar event at State House, stating that both the Saudi and Kenyan ambassadors had verified the payment.
He announced, “The $1 million has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe.”
Despite official announcements, Munyakho’s family has expressed concerns due to a lack of direct communication.
The Committee for the Release of Steven Bertrand Munyakho stated, “We are yet to receive an official communication from the concerned stakeholders despite making inquiries.”
