Karibu nyumbani: Tears, hugs and prayers as Kenyan on death sentence returns home

Stephen Munyako is received by his mother Dorothy Kweyu after he arrived at JKIA on July 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendfo, Standard] Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who has spent 14 years in a Saudi Arabian prison facing a death sentence, finally returned home today morning. The International arrival terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) turned into a scene of joy, tears, songs and prayer as family, friends, government officials and religious leaders gathered to receive him just minutes after 1am. His mother, Dorothy Kweyu, rushed into her son's arms, tears flowing freely. She had knocked on countless doors over the years, hoping against hope that one day she would hold her son again. That day finally came. Others danced, ululated and raised their hands to the sky in gratitude. For a man who once stared at the finality of a public execution in Saudi Arabia, the moment was nothing short of miraculous. Speaking at the airport shortly after the reunion, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing'oei laid bare the effort that went into securing Munyakho's freedom. READ: Saved from the jaws of death: Munyakho's 13-year Saudi ordeal "Exactly a year ago, on May 14, 2024, Mama Dorothy came to my office with my friend Henry Maina and pleaded with the government to do everything it could to bring her son back home. Honestly, I wasn't sure how we would do it. The conditions for his release were pretty onerous," Sing'oei said. Stephen Munyako waves to family and friends who had come to receive him at JKIA on July 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] He said that not only had a judgment already been rendered, but all legal appeals had been exhausted and execution dates already set. The only lifeline was to pay USD1 million, which is approximately Sh129 million diyya, known as 'blood money' to the family of the deceased Yemeni man involved in a 2011 fatal altercation with Munyakho. Even then, the family had to agree to accept the payment. "Notwithstanding those obstacles, the government swung into motion. President Ruto personally wrote to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia," said Sing'oei. Stephen Munyako waves to family and friends who had come to receive him at JKIA on July 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] He said that it took months of back-and-forth diplomatic engagement. Through the Kenyan ambassador in Riyadh, Mohamed Ruwange, discussions continued with Saudi authorities. In the end, their prayers were answered. "One of our pleas to the Muslim World League was successful. I want to pay special tribute to them for honouring that demand of one million US dollars. The result is that today, we are receiving this proud son of our country back home," he said. ALSO READ: Kenyan escapes execution in Saudi Arabia after Sh129.5m payout Munyakho, termed his presence in the country as nothing short of a miracle. "I am glad to be back home in Kenya," said Munyakho, now also known by his Islamic name, Abdulkareem. Family and friends who came to receive Stephen Munyako at JKIA on July 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] With quiet strength, he shared the weight of his experience and gratitude. "My presence here today is nothing short of a miracle, and I want to begin by thanking Allah for the gift of life. I also want to thank everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, and contributed towards my freedom and return home. Some of you I know, but the vast majority, in your tens of thousands, were simply touched by the misfortune of a total stranger," he said. He added, "I am grateful to Allah for this second chance that I have been granted. It is wonderful to be back home." In the days leading to his release, he was allowed to perform Umrah, which is the minor pilgrimage to Mecca, a symbolic spiritual cleansing before his journey back to Kenya. His new name, Abdulkareem, was adopted as part of his faith journey during his time in prison. Family and friends who came to receive Stephen Munyako at JKIA on July 29, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] His mother, Dorothy, could barely contain her emotions. "I still remember that morning we went to the office of the principal secretary, he never disappoints. I am grateful to God and everyone who immensely supported us," she said. Munyakho, now 51, had left Kenya in his early 20s to work in Saudi Arabia, seeking better economic prospects. His journey took a tragic turn in 2011 when he was convicted of manslaughter following a workplace altercation that ended in the death of a Yemeni colleague. What began as a heated argument escalated, and in the struggle, the victim was fatally injured. Initially sentenced to five years, his punishment was later upgraded to the death penalty upon appeal in 2014. Despite numerous appeals, public fundraising efforts had barely scratched the surface, raising about 15 per cent of the amount needed.

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Karibu nyumbani: Tears, hugs and prayers as Kenyan on death sentence returns home

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