A Kenyan man, Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho, has been released from death row in Saudi Arabia after more than a decade in prison.
His release followed a long campaign led by his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, and a $1 million blood money settlement paid by the Kenyan government and the Muslim World League.
Munyakho was convicted of murdering a Yemeni colleague in 2011 while working as a warehouse manager at a Red Sea resort.
The incident began as a workplace dispute. “The workmate stabbed Munyakho with a letter opener,” his mother told reporters, “prompting him to retaliate by grabbing the same opener and attacking him.”
The colleague died, and Munyakho was initially sentenced to five years for manslaughter.
In 2014, an appeal changed the charge to murder, which carries the death penalty under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia’s legal system allows the death sentence to be commuted if the victim’s family accepts blood money, known as dihya. After years of negotiations and multiple postponements of his execution, the victim’s family agreed to accept compensation.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed Munyakho’s release under a “judicial decree” and said he had performed Umrah, a minor Muslim pilgrimage, in Mecca following his release.
His mother expressed overwhelming relief: “This time, it is true. The ambassador has confirmed it,” she said, adding that she “rolled on the floor” upon hearing the news.
It remains unclear when Munyakho will return to Kenya.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
