Steven Munyakho’s Family Disputes UDA SG’s Payment Reports
On March 25, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said that the Muslim World League has successfully paid a Ksh129.5 million ($1 million) settlement to secure the release of Steven Munyakho, a Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia.
However, his family has raised new worries, claiming that they have not received any formal confirmation.
In a press statement, the Committee for Munyakho’s Release stated that they had yet to receive an official notification from the relevant stakeholders, after making inquiries but receiving no responses.
“The Committee for the Release of Steven Bertrand 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 Saudi Riyals of the 3.5 million Saudi riyals blood money set by the court as a condition for his release,” a statement from the committee read in part.
“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 as soon as we receive confirmation.”
The committee further added, “If accurate, this information will be an answered prayer for the many well-wishers supporting the Save Stevo Campaign.”
Munyako was found guilty of manslaughter in 2012, following a tragic altercation with a friend.
The victim’s family filed an appeal, resulting in an enhanced execution sentence with the option of Ksh120,750,000 (3.5 million riyals) in blood money.
He had been detained for 13 years and was still being kept at Dhaban Prison in Jeddah as of yesterday.
On Tuesday, during an Iftar hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Omar revealed that Munyakho would be reunited with his family after successful discussions between Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the Muslim World League.
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According to Omar, the negotiations, which included important officials from both countries, ended in a total payment of Ksh129.5 million ($1 million) to the Gulf country as a settlement for the allegations Munyakho was facing.
Stephen Munyakho, who was on death row in Saudi Arabia, set to return home after the Muslim World League intervened and paid the $1 million (Sh129.5 million) settlement, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar says during an Iftar at State House, Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/t9NMzyWolj
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) March 25, 2025
During the announcement, Omar revealed that diplomatic efforts to save Munyakho were coordinated at State House, Nairobi, hinting at possible involvement by President William Ruto.
“Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League here to State House. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan who was facing execution in Saudi Arabia,” Omar announced.
“Both our ambassadors have confirmed that the request has since been honoured, the one million dollars has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safely.”
Steven Munyakho’s Family Disputes UDA SG’s Payment Reports
