RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Steve Abdukareem Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia, has officially been released. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed his release, stating that Munyakho was set free at 10 am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, following the fulfillment of a judicial decree.
“Our Mission in Riyadh has confirmed that Steve performed his Umra (minor pilgrimage) upon release,” Sing’oei announced in a statement. He added, “We shall provide further details regarding his arrival in the country. I commend all who have offered their support towards securing this outcome.”
Munyakho had spent over a decade in Saudi custody, having been convicted in connection with a fatal altercation with a colleague in 2011. Initially charged with manslaughter, his sentence was later escalated to murder, which carries the death penalty under Shariah law.
Earlier this year, the Muslim World League, with significant support from the Kenyan government and religious leaders, facilitated the payment of $1 million (approximately KSh 130 million) as diya (blood money) to the victim’s family. This payment led to the commutation of his sentence and his eventual release.
Munyakho’s mother, Dorothy Kweyu, a veteran journalist, had tirelessly campaigned for his release over the years, appealing to the government, human rights organizations, and well-wishers to raise the necessary diya.
After she personally visited their offices, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) began engaging key partners in Saudi Arabia. Supkem Chairman Hassan Ole Naado confirmed that Munyakho’s case received special consideration due to the absence of premeditated intent to kill.
“It was observed that Steve never intended to kill the victim given that he and the victim were, in fact, good friends save for the very unfortunate fight that led to the victim’s death,” Ole Naado said.
Under Islamic law, diya serves as compensation to a victim or their family. It can be applied to various crimes, ranging from murder to injury and property damage.
The payment of diya can result in a reduced sentence and, in certain circumstances, a full pardon.
This practice is currently observed in approximately 20 countries across the Middle East and Africa, including Sudan and northern Nigeria.
The Quran supports the paying of blood money, a concept further clarified by Prophet Muhammad, whose teachings indicated that the price for murder or manslaughter should be equivalent to 100 camels.
Modern interpretations often involve this amount being paid in cash, varying across different countries.
