Stephen Munyakho Returns to Kenya After 14 Years in Saudi Jail

• Jul 29, 2025

Stephen Munyakho has finally returned to Kenya after spending 14 years in prison in Saudi Arabia following a murder conviction. His case began with a tragic incident involving a colleague and ended in years of legal battles, a death sentence, and eventually a release.

Munyakho had been working in Saudi Arabia when he got into a physical altercation with a colleague. The colleague later died from the injuries, and Munyakho was initially charged with manslaughter. He was sentenced to five years in prison. However, that ruling was later appealed, and the charge was upgraded to murder. This resulted in a death sentence by beheading—a punishment that is legal and not uncommon in Saudi Arabia for serious crimes.

His life was spared after the victim’s family agreed to forgive him in exchange for “diya,” commonly known as blood money, which is allowed under Saudi law. Through efforts from his family, the Kenyan government, and well-wishers, the amount was eventually raised and paid to the deceased’s relatives, leading to the cancellation of the execution order.

Even after the payment and forgiveness, Munyakho remained in prison for several more years due to delays in paperwork and formalities within the Saudi justice system. The long wait caused concern among his family and human rights advocates, who continued to push for his release and safe return.

After 14 years behind bars, Munyakho finally landed back in Kenya, bringing to a close a painful chapter marked by fear, uncertainty, and hope. His return has been met with relief by his family and community members who had waited over a decade to see him free.

Munyakho’s story sheds light on the challenges many migrant workers face in the Middle East, especially in countries with strict legal systems and limited diplomatic protections for foreign nationals. It also highlights the role forgiveness and traditional forms of justice can play in the legal process in some parts of the world.

His return is being seen not only as a personal victory but also as a reminder of the importance of legal support, diplomacy, and community effort in resolving international justice cases.