By Janet Nyamwamu
Steve Munyakho, who spent over 13 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, is finally free, and a smile has been restored on his mother Dorothy Kweyu’s face.
His release is an outcome of a relentless campaign led by the veteran journalist, and a coalition of diplomatic and religious allies.
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Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei confirmed Munyakho’s release on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., noting that he had performed Umrah, a minor Islamic pilgrimage, shortly after walking free.
“We shall provide further details regarding his arrival in the country,” Sing’oei said.
“I commend all who supported efforts to secure this outcome.”
Munyakho’s ordeal began in 2011 after a fatal workplace altercation with a Yemeni colleague.
Initially charged with manslaughter, his case was later escalated to murder, a capital offence under Shariah law resulting in a death sentence.
For years, the threat of execution loomed, with his fate hinging on the payment of diyah, or blood money, to the victim’s family.
Earlier this year, a breakthrough came when the Muslim World League, in collaboration with the Kenyan government and religious leaders, facilitated the payment of $1 million (approximately KSh130 million) in diyah.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) played a pivotal role, with Chairman Hassan Ole Naado emphasizing that the incident lacked premeditated intent.
“Steve never intended to kill the victim, who was in fact a good friend,” he said. “It was a tragic accident.”
For Kweyu, the journey was harrowing.
She rolled on the floor in disbelief when she received the call confirming her son’s release.
Her campaign, dubbed Bring Back Stevo, rallied Kenyans and strangers abroad to contribute whatever they could.
“Some gave Sh100 every day. I’ve never met them, but I’ll never forget them,” she said.
The emotional toll was immense, and Dorothy described sleepless nights, haunting silence even after the diyah was paid, and the trauma of waiting for confirmation.
“I’ve lived like a zombie,” she admitted.
“But I never stopped believing in the goodness of God.”
Under Islamic law, diyah serves as financial compensation in cases of murder, injury, or property damage.
Traditionally valued at 100 camels, modern interpretations vary by country, with payments now made in cash.
The practice is recognized in about 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and northern Nigeria.
