Committee denies being aware of Ksh129M paid to save Stephen Munyakho from execution
The committee fighting for the release of Steven Betrand Munyakho, a Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia over manslaughter, has denied being aware of Ksh129 million paid to save him from the hangman.
This comes moments after United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general Hassan Omar said that Munyakho is set to return home after USD1 million (Ksh129 million) was paid.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the committee chair Joe Odindo said he was not aware of the payment, and that they had made inquiries to both the governments of Kenya and Saudi Arabia regarding the same.
“The Committee for the release of Stephen Betrand Munyakho, the Kenyan, who was sentenced to execution in Saudi Arabia, is aware of media reports and pronouncements that one of the institutional benefactors has paid the balance of 2.9 million of the 3.5 million Saudi riyals blood money set by the court as a condition for his release. If accurate, this information will be an answered prayer for the many well-wishers supporting the Save Stevo Campaign,” Odindo said.
“However, we have yet to receive an official communication as a committee. We have contacted government officials in Kenya and Saudi Arabia and will notify the public of the latest developments.”
Odindo says Munyakho, who has been incarcerated for the past 13 years, is still being held in Dhaban prison, Jeddah, as of Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“Stevo was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 after a fatal altercation with a friend. The victim’s family appealed, resulting in an enhanced sentence of execution with an option for 3.5 million riyals in blood money,” Odindo added.
“Once again, we thank the media, friends, family, and many Kenyans of goodwill who have prayed for Stevo’s safe return home and continue to do so.”
According to Omar, the amount was paid by the Muslim World League following negotiations by 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. Kenyans should, however, be warned to honour the laws of the territories they live in. The government can intervene, but it has limitations,” Omar said.
Omar also said that the government is processing Munyakho’s release and travel documents for him to come back home.
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Francis Muli
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