Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has assured lawmakers that Stephen Munyakho, a 50-year-old Kenyan who was on death row in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, is expected to return home soon.
However, despite the payment of Ksh129 million, his release has been delayed due to ongoing legal procedures in Saudi Arabia.
While addressing the Senate plenary on Wednesday morning, Mudavadi explained that although the funds had been paid to secure Munyakho’s freedom, the Saudi legal system must first complete all necessary steps before he can be allowed to leave.
He emphasized that once these processes are finalized, Munyakho will be free to return to Kenya.
The Cabinet Secretary further reassured lawmakers that the Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia remains actively engaged with the relevant authorities in Riyadh.
He stated that embassy officials are working closely with Saudi authorities to resolve any outstanding issues hindering Munyakho’s release. “We are optimistic because there is now light at the end of the tunnel for Stephen Munyakho.
The legal system in Saudi Arabia is still handling the remaining formalities, ensuring that all protocols are followed before he can be released,” Mudavadi stated.
He also acknowledged that many Kenyans face difficulties in different parts of the world and assured that the government is committed to assisting them.
“Our embassy is closely monitoring the situation and providing support to ensure this process concludes smoothly,” he added.
Munyakho’s execution was halted last week after the World Muslim League (WML) stepped in and paid Ksh129 million ($1 million) as blood money.
This payment was crucial in securing his life, as he had been convicted of manslaughter in 2011 following a workplace altercation in Saudi Arabia that resulted in a colleague’s death.
The confirmation of the payment came from United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar during an Iftar dinner on Tuesday, March 25.
He announced that Munyakho had been spared from execution thanks to the intervention of the World Muslim League.
The Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM) also confirmed the development, revealing that Munyakho’s family received the necessary funds for his release.
Speaking to the media on Friday, March 28, SUPKEM Chairperson Hassan Naando expressed gratitude to the World Muslim League for their generous support. He reassured Munyakho’s family that his release was in progress.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Muslim World League, particularly its leader Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for stepping in to help save the life of our brother, Stephen,” Naando stated.
He further explained that the process had begun months ago when they initially sought assistance. “On August 13, when the Muslim World League visited Kenya, we appealed for their help.
One month ago, they fulfilled their promise and provided a donation of one million dollars (Ksh129 million) to Munyakho’s family,” he added.
Although the payment has been made, Munyakho’s return remains dependent on Saudi Arabia’s legal system, which is still working through the necessary procedures before granting him freedom.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
