A Kenyan man who spent 14 years imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and narrowly escaped execution has spoken publicly for the first time about the circumstances that led to the death of his co-worker, an incident he says was a tragic accident during a heated dispute.
Stephen Munyakho, who returned to Kenya on July 29 after a hard-fought diplomatic and public campaign for his release, recounted the events that took place on April 9, 2011, in an interview on July 30.
“We had a misunderstanding, which ended up in a fight, and it escalated until there were some stabbings, which were not intentional,” Munyakho said.
“The main cause of his death was not from the wound; the doctor’s report said that he delayed going to the hospital, so he lost a lot of blood. It was just by mistake.”
Stephen Munyakho Explains What Happened
The confrontation, according to Munyakho, stemmed from a dispute over his salary. When he attempted to leave to collect his pay, his Yemeni co-worker blocked him, prompting a heated exchange.
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“He used words that were not very good, and I could not take them. He is the one who started the fight,” Munyakho said.
“I have a stab wound on my hand and on my thigh. The knife was his. After he used it on me, I used it on him.”
Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 and sentenced to death.
Under Saudi law, the victim’s family could grant clemency if financial compensation known as diyya or blood money was paid.
The family demanded Ksh150 million (about $1.15 million), a sum that Munyakho and his family could not afford.
His case drew nationwide attention in Kenya, especially after his mother, Dorothy Kweyu, launched the “Bring Back Steve” campaign.
Her efforts were later joined by religious leaders, civil society organizations, and high-ranking officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who formally appealed to Saudi authorities.
His Return to Kenya
President William Ruto personally intervened by reaching out to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to request a delay in Munyakho’s execution and seek a diplomatic resolution.
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After years of negotiations and fundraising, the required compensation was secured through a combination of government support, community contributions, and private donors.
Munyakho arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 12:50 a.m. on July 29, greeted by emotional relatives and supporters who had long fought for his return.
Now back home, Munyakho is seeking peace and a new start after years of isolation and uncertainty.
“Your prayers and contributions never went unnoticed. I feel indebted and don’t know how I can ever pay back, just accept my humble thanks.”
“Words cannot express it,” he added.
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