Final arrangements underway to bring back Stephen Munyakho held on death row in Saudi Arabia
The committee ‘Save Stevo Campaign, ’ noted that Saudi authorities had assured it that the Muslim World League had cleared the remaining balance of the 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (Sh120.9 million) in blood money.
Final arrangements are underway to facilitate the return of Stephen Bertrand Munyakho, a Kenyan national who has spent 13 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, after the full payment of blood money required by the court.
The committee ‘Save Stevo Campaign, ’ which advocates for Munyakho's release, has confirmed that final arrangements are underway to secure his freedom.
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In a statement, the committee noted that Saudi authorities had assured it that the Muslim World League had cleared the remaining balance of the 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (Sh120.9 million) in blood money. This confirmed an announcement made last Tuesday by former Mombasa Senator Omar Hassan and reiterated by the Jamia Mosque leadership.
"We received this news with great joy and gratitude. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the campaign—through financial contributions, prayers, and messages of encouragement to the family—for their extraordinary compassion and generosity,” it said.
Manslaughter
Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 following a fatal altercation with Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh.
Initially sentenced to five years in prison, an appeal by the victim’s family resulted in an enhanced ruling of execution, with an option for the payment of 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (Sh120.9 million) in blood money.
The Committee noted that as of last Friday, Munyakho remained in Dhaban Prison, Jeddah, awaiting the completion of court procedures to facilitate his release and repatriation to Kenya.
It pledged to keep the public updated on any new developments.
The Committee also acknowledged that the Muslim World League was among the many organisations approached in their global efforts to save Munyakho.
"We express our immeasurable gratitude for their generous contribution in settling the remaining blood money," it said.
It added that many individuals and organisations also played crucial roles in the campaign. The committee further revealed that they wrote letters to several global leaders, including Pope Francis at the Vatican and President William Ruto, who extended their support.
"We remain eternally grateful for their assistance," they said.
The campaign also successfully raised Sh19,412,552, with contributions from Kenyans and well-wishers worldwide.
"Many of you had never met Stevo, yet you were moved by his plight and contributed generously. Your selflessness will never be forgotten,” it said.
It acknowledged the efforts of key individuals and institutions who, through wise counsel and quiet intervention, helped steer the campaign towards success.
"Though we cannot name them all, they know themselves, and we sincerely appreciate their support,” it added.
Special recognition was also given to the media, a public relations agency, Alliance Girls High School alumni, the Strathmore community, Kenya’s Ministry of Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, and the Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr Mohamed Ruwange, along with his predecessors, Ambassadors Ibrahim Khamis and Peter Ogego.
"This moment would not have been possible without all of you. God bless you all," it said.
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