Kenyan Stephen Munyakho Freed From Saudi Death Row After $1M Settlement

Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia for over a decade, was released following the payment of $1 million in blood money by the Muslim World League. His execution, postponed twice in 2024 due to diplomatic interventions, was avoided after the settlement of a judicial decree under Saudi law. Munyakho was convicted of killing a Yemeni colleague in 2013, and the payment served as compensation to the victim's family. Upon release, Munyakho performed Umrah, a minor Muslim pilgrimage, as confirmed by Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei. The Kenyan government, along with faith-based organizations and well-wishers, played a significant role in coordinating diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to secure his freedom. Details about his return to Kenya are forthcoming, with the government commending all contributors to the successful outcome.