How Kenya rallied to save Stephen Munyakho from Saudi death row: PS Korir reveals

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei has said he honestly was not sure how Stephen Munyakho, who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, would be freed, given that the conditions for his release were pretty onerous.

Speaking when he received Mr. Munyakho at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Sing’oei said a year ago, precisely on the 14th of May 2024, Mama Dorothy came to his office to plead with the government to do what it could to bring Steve back home.

“Now, Steve's case, as you know, is a long-standing one. For 15 years, this matter had not been resolved, and I told my mentality that the government would do everything that it could to bring Steve back home,” said the PS.

The PS said Mr. Munyakho’s judgment had already been rendered and the appeal already determined, the dates for his execution had already been sent, and that the only thing that could overturn that execution was the payment of an amount of $1 million to satisfy the judgment.

“The payment of that $1 million would not be sufficient without the endorsement and the acceptance thereof by the aggrieved family,” said Dr. Sing’oei.

Notwithstanding those obstacles, the PS said the government swung into motion to try as much as possible to bring the state to good offices.

“The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, engaged with his counterpart to seek an extension, and through our ambassador in Saudi Arabia, a conversation started. President Ruto also spoke to the ruler of the King of Saudi Arabia to stay the execution,” said PS Sing’oei.

The PS said that together with all other partners, the government used all the capabilities of the state to try to mobilize the satisfaction of the demanded compensation.

“In the end, you know, one of our pleas was to the Muslim League, I want to say thank you to the Muslim League for being able to honor that demand, the result of which, today, we are receiving this proud son of our country,” said Dr. Sing’oei.

The PS said Mr. Munyakho’s case joined several other cases where the Republic of Kenya has stood firm to rescue its citizens.

Mr. Munyako praised Allah for the gift of life and also gave thanks to everyone who prayed, encouraged, and contributed towards his freedom and return home.

“Some of you I know, but the vast majority, in your 1000s, who were simply touched by the misfortune of a total stranger. I'm grateful to Allah for this second chance that I have been granted. It's wonderful to be back home. I'm so saturated, and indeed, I need a rest. I wish to recognize myself, and in due time, I shall talk to you,” said Mr. Munyako.

Mr. Munyakho’s parents, Reuben Mahero, Dorothy Kweyu, thanked the government and the Muslim League for helping in the release of their son.

“Thank you very much to the government, the Muslim League, and every Kenyan, every person who made this money, contributed to Stephen’s release,” said Mr. Mahero.

The Chairman of the ‘Bring Stevo back’ strategy committee, Mr. Joseph Odindo, thanked President Ruto, Prime CS Mudavadi for the support that saw the release of Stephen.

“I would like to mention Dr. Mudavadi, because he opened his doors and we were able to meet him. We would also like to thank the President, who took time from his busy schedule to convey our message to his counterpart in Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Odindo.

Mr. Odindo said faith, brotherhood, support for each other, and solidarity have a way of working wonders.

“We are here today because there is faith. We are here today because the Muslim World League stepped forward to secure the release of our brother, Steve. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the other people who also helped. We cannot mention everybody, but please,” said Mr. Odindo.

He said Stephen will be available to talk to the media in the course of the week. “We will communicate, yeah, but for now, we just ask that you let him rest,” said Mr. Odindo.