A Kenyan man, Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho, has been released from death row in Saudi Arabia after spending 13 years behind bars.
Munyakho was convicted of murdering a Yemeni colleague in 2011 and sentenced to death, but his execution was repeatedly postponed due to interventions by Kenyan officials and a lengthy campaign by his mother, Dorothy Kweyu.
The release followed the payment of $1 million in blood money to the victim’s family, which was made possible through the efforts of the Muslim World League and the Kenyan government.
According to Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Munyakho was freed under a judicial decree and has since performed the minor Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca.
Munyakho’s mother expressed immense relief and joy upon hearing the news, saying she “rolled on the floor” in celebration.
The Kenyan government has confirmed that arrangements are underway for Munyakho’s return to Kenya, although a specific date has not been announced.
