Stephen Munyakho, the Kenyan national who had been facing execution in Saudi Arabia, has been released and is preparing to return home, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei announced the news Tuesday morning, revealing that Munyakho now known as Abdulkareem was freed from Shimeisi Prison in Mecca Governorate at 10 a.m. local time following the fulfillment of a judicial decree.
“Our Mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umrah (minor pilgrimage) upon release,” PS Sing’oei posted on X.
The Umrah, a pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca, is often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage” compared to the annual Ḥajj, yet it holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the world.
“We shall provide further details regarding his arrival in the country. I commend all who have offered their support towards securing this outcome,” Sing’oei added.
Munyakho’s ordeal began in April 2011, when he was involved in a physical altercation with a Yemeni colleague while working as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia.
The colleague later died from injuries sustained in the fight, leading to Munyakho’s conviction and a death sentence by beheading under Saudi law.
His execution was initially scheduled for May 2024, but intense diplomatic efforts by Kenya’s government involving not only state officials but also religious leaders led to its postponement and eventual cancellation.
In March 2025, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar revealed that an agreement had been reached between Nairobi and Riyadh, with a $1 million (approx. sh. 129 million) compensation payment facilitating Munyakho’s release.
Speaking during a state Iftar dinner at State House earlier this year, Omar highlighted the involvement of Muhammad Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.
Al-Issa, who had previously visited Kenya, played a key role in mediating the agreement.
According to Omar, President William Ruto personally approached Al-Issa during his Kenyan visit, prompting the Muslim World League a Mecca-based international Islamic NGO to step in and cover the full settlement amount.
The League, known for promoting moderate Islamic values globally, viewed the effort as part of its commitment to justice and humanitarian diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to provide further updates regarding Munyakho’s return to Kenya, marking the end of a harrowing 14-year legal battle abroad.
His release is being celebrated as a triumph of diplomatic engagement, interfaith cooperation, and the resilience of a man who held onto hope despite the odds.
