Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man who was on death row in Saudi Arabia, has described his return home as nothing short of a miracle. After more than a decade of uncertainty and legal battles, Munyakho landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 12:50 a.m. on July 29, 2025, where he was warmly received by his family, friends, and government officials.
Speaking briefly at the airport, Munyakho expressed deep gratitude for his freedom. “I’m glad to be back home in Kenya. My presence here today is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to begin by thanking Allah for the gift of life,” he said. He requested time to rest and reorganize before sharing more about his experience.
Munyakho was working as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia when a workplace dispute with a Yemeni colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, turned deadly in April 2011. He was initially convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. However, an appeal led to a murder conviction and a death sentence under Sharia law.
His release came after the family of the deceased accepted diya (blood money), allowing for the suspension of his death sentence. The conditions of the judicial decree were fulfilled, and Munyakho was officially released on July 22, 2025. His journey back home was delayed by logistical issues but was ultimately successful.
The Bring Back Stevo Strategy Committee, which spearheaded the campaign for his release, hailed his return as a triumph of unity and resilience. “His arrival this morning from Jeddah is the result of a lengthy battle fought in Saudi courts and a fundraising campaign supported by Kenyans and foreigners of goodwill,” the committee stated.
The release was made possible through intense diplomatic negotiations and significant financial aid, including the payment of Sh150 million in diya, much of which was contributed by the Muslim World League.
Munyakho’s story stands as a powerful testament to hope, faith, and the strength of community support in the face of adversity.
