Kenyan, Stephen Munyakho who faced execution in Saudi Arabia freed
Stephen Munyakho, the Kenyan man who faced execution in Saudi Arabia, has been freed and is set to return to the country.
Stephen Munyakho, the Kenyan man who faced execution in Saudi Arabia, has been freed and is set to return to the country.
The Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, announced on Tuesday, July 22, that Munyakho was released after the judicial decree was fully satisfied.
“Our Mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umra (minor pilgrimage) upon release,” Sing’oei stated.
Munyakho, who worked as a warehouse manager, had been set for execution by the sword after being involved in a fight with a colleague in April 2011. The colleague later succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment.
Following a trial, Munyakho was found guilty of manslaughter in 2013 and handed a five-year prison sentence. However, the victim’s family appealed the case, which eventually led to a death sentence for Munyakho.
He has been in custody for 13 years since April 9, 2011, in Shimeisi Prison in Saudi Arabia, before the Kenyan government intervened.
In May 2024, the Saudi government agreed to put the execution on hold following negotiations between the Kenyan and Saudi governments.
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As a result of the negotiations, both countries reached an agreement, and in March 2025, a Ksh. 129 million settlement was paid for his release.
“I am pleased to inform that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities, and the Widow, the impending execution of judgement against Stephen Munyakho due for November 26, 2024, has been postponed for another year to allow parties to settle outstanding obligations,” Sing’oei had stated in October 2024.
PS Sing’oei has lauded Kenyans for their dedicated support over the past months in efforts to bring the citizen home.
“I commend all who have offered their support towards securing this outcome,” he stated today, promising to provide more information on when Munyakho would arrive in the country.
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