After 13 years in a Saudi Arabian prison, Kenyan national Stephen Munyakho is now a step closer to freedom following confirmation that the $1 million (Sh129.5 million) blood money demanded by the victim’s family has been paid.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has revealed that the payment was made by the Muslim World League, setting in motion the final stages of his release.

SUPKEM National Chairman, Al-Haji Hassan Kirua Ole Naado, confirmed that the Muslim World League intervened after sustained efforts by SUPKEM and other partners.

“When Steve’s mother made a public appeal last year and visited our offices, we took up the matter and began engaging several partners in Saudi Arabia,” Naado explained in a statement released on Friday.

The case gained momentum after SUPKEM hosted the top leadership of the Muslim World League in Nairobi on August 13, 2024.

During the meeting, the organization’s Secretary General, Dr. Mohamed Abdulkarim Al-Issa, was informed about Munyakho’s situation and was requested to assist.

According to Naado, Munyakho and the victim were friends before the fatal altercation, a factor that influenced the Muslim World League’s decision to prioritize the case.

“Since I sit in the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, the case was made an important agenda item,” he said, noting that the organization acknowledged that Munyakho did not intend to cause the victim’s death.

Following this assessment, the Muslim World League authorized the $1 million (Sh129.5 million) payment, which has now been received by the victim’s family.

Naado confirmed that Saudi Arabian authorities are currently processing the necessary paperwork for Munyakho’s release.

Naado further stated that he has been in direct communication with key stakeholders, including the office of the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, the Saudi Ambassador to Kenya, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who have assured him that the procedures are underway.

“Once these administrative procedures are completed, our brother will, by the Grace of Allah, be set free and allowed to return home,” Naado stated.

He went on to acknowledge the efforts of various individuals and institutions in securing Munyakho’s release.

He commended Munyakho’s mother, Dorothy Kweyu, for her persistence, his family for their patience during the prolonged incarceration, and Dr. Alissa for personally intervening in the matter.

Naado also recognized Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Khalid Alsalman, for his diplomatic role, along with Kenya’s former and current ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, Peter Ogego and Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, for their contributions.

He expressed gratitude to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, for their support.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar had earlier disclosed the development during an Iftar dinner at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday night.

However, the ‘Save Stevo Campaign’ committee, which has been advocating for Munyakho’s release, said it had yet to receive official confirmation of the payment.

“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,” the committee stated.

Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2013 after the death of Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, who succumbed to stab wounds following an altercation in April 2011.

Initially sentenced to five years in prison, the victim’s family successfully appealed, leading to an enhanced sentence of execution, with an option to pay 3.5 million Saudi riyals (Sh120.9 million) in blood money.

Over the years, Munyakho has been incarcerated at Dhaban Prison in Jeddah and Shimeisi Prison in Mecca.

Under Saudi law, families of victims have the right to negotiate “diya,” or blood money, as compensation for unintentional harm or death.

With the funds now secured and legal procedures underway, Munyakho’s long-awaited release is drawing near, bringing hope to his family and supporters who have fought tirelessly for his freedom.