RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national facing execution in Saudi Arabia, is set to return home following a successful negotiation between Nairobi and Riyadh, which included a $1 million (Ksh. 129 million) settlement, according to UDA party Secretary-General Hassan Omar.
Munyakho, employed as a warehouse manager in Saudi Arabia, was sentenced to death by the sword after a fatal altercation with a Yemeni colleague in April 2011.
His scheduled execution in May of the previous year was postponed following interventions by the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry, which engaged Saudi authorities in further discussions involving both diplomats and religious leaders. During a state Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, Omar announced the successful outcome of these negotiations.
Omar credited Muhammad Al-Issa, the Saudi religious leader and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who attended last year’s state Iftar dinner, for his involvement in the talks. He also acknowledged the efforts of Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Ruwange and his Saudi counterpart Khalid Al-Salman.
“They have confirmed that the request has since been honoured, the $1 million paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe,” said Omar.
“Kenyans should, however, be warned to honour the laws of the territories they live in. The government can intervene, but it has limitations.”
Omar further told Citizen Digital that President Ruto personally approached Dr. Issa during his Kenyan visit, and that the Muslim World League facilitated the $1 million payment.
The Muslim World League, headquartered in Mecca, is an international Islamic NGO dedicated to promoting what it describes as the “true message of Islam” through the advancement of moderate values.
Munyakho, who adopted the name Abdulkareem, was imprisoned in Shimeisi Prison in the Governorate of Mecca.
According to the UDA Secretary-General, Kenya is currently processing Munyakho’s release and travel documents.
