Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced Wednesday that Steve Munyakho will return to Kenya after spending 13 years in Saudi Arabian custody. The Kenyan citizen faced execution for manslaughter charges but gained freedom through extensive diplomatic negotiations between both governments. President William Ruto personally appealed to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for clemency while officials worked to reduce the blood money demanded by the victim's family. Saudi authorities permitted Munyakho to complete Umrah pilgrimage before his deportation and agreed to fund his return journey completely. The Kenyan Embassy issued an Emergency Travel Document since his passport expired during imprisonment.
Government officials successfully postponed the May 15, 2024 execution date through sustained high-level discussions led by diplomatic teams in Riyadh. The deceased's relatives originally sought Sh129 million in diyya payments but accepted a reduced settlement that secured Munyakho's release from prison. Kenya's Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for cooperation throughout the process while reaffirming commitment to protecting citizens abroad. Mudavadi confirmed deportation flight details remain pending but expected Munyakho's arrival within hours of the announcement.
Government officials successfully postponed the May 15, 2024 execution date through sustained high-level discussions led by diplomatic teams in Riyadh. The deceased's relatives originally sought Sh129 million in diyya payments but accepted a reduced settlement that secured Munyakho's release from prison. Kenya's Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for cooperation throughout the process while reaffirming commitment to protecting citizens abroad. Mudavadi confirmed deportation flight details remain pending but expected Munyakho's arrival within hours of the announcement.
