Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for manslaughter, is expected to return home any time from today following his release.

Munyakho was released Tuesday July 22, 2025 following months of high-level diplomatic intervention.

Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei posted on X, confirming his release saying Munyakho was released under a “judicial decree”.

According to a statement from Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, Munyakho is now at a deportation center awaiting clearance saying the Kenyan Embassy has issued him an Emergency Travel Document, and Saudi authorities will cover the cost of his return.

“The Embassy is now awaiting confirmation of the date and time of his deportation flight, which could happen today. The government will communicate this as soon as we have the details,” Mudavadi said

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Mudavadi has also announced that the release came after President William Ruto along with senior officials, engaged Saudi authorities to secure clemency.

“This intervention led to a postponement of the execution, initially set for May 15, to allow negotiations over the blood money demanded by the deceased’s family. H.E. President Ruto also intervened by speaking directly with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, requesting a delay in the execution as Kenya pursued the matter diplomatically,” said Mudavadi.

Munyakho’s execution, initially set for May 15, was postponed to allow negotiations over diyya (blood money). The deceased’s family later accepted compensation of approximately KSh 129 million, paving the way for his release.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyans abroad, and thanked the Saudi authorities for their cooperation in resolving the matter.

Munyakho was working in Saudi Arabia when he was convicted of murdering a Yemeni colleague in 2011. The crime carries the death penalty, but after protracted negotiations, the victim’s family agreed to accept blood money.