Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to its diaspora community, stating that no Kenyan will ever be left behind no matter the circumstance.
Speaking after hosting Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man recently freed from Saudi Arabia’s death row, Mudavadi said the government will always prioritize the welfare and dignity of its citizens abroad. Munyakho had spent 14 years facing execution before a breakthrough in complex diplomatic negotiations led to his release.
“This government does not abandon its own,” Mudavadi said. “When Kenyans find themselves in trouble beyond our borders, our role is not to judge but to help fully and without hesitation.”
Munyakho’s case had grown increasingly urgent earlier this year when Saudi authorities scheduled his execution for May 15. It took a concerted effort across multiple fronts to halt it. Mudavadi revealed that he personally wrote to the Saudi Foreign Minister requesting clemency. President William Ruto also intervened, directly appealing to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a move that opened the door to further diplomatic engagement.
Eventually, a compensation settlement known as diyya or blood money was accepted by the family of the deceased, paving the way for Munyakho’s release. The sum, approximately KSh 129 million, was raised through a joint effort involving Munyakho’s relatives, diaspora communities, civil society, and the Muslim World League.
“This is not just a story of diplomacy it’s a story of humanity, unity, and faith,” said Mudavadi. “The strength and endurance shown by Munyakho’s family during these long years has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs played a key humanitarian role, coordinating with Riyadh and international partners throughout the process. Mudavadi emphasized that while the Ministry is not a judicial authority, it remains deeply committed to protecting the rights of Kenyans facing legal and humanitarian crises abroad.
He also disclosed that close to 1,000 Kenyan nationals are currently involved in legal battles in foreign countries. The government, he said, continues to actively track these cases through its embassies and consulates.
“Let this case serve as a powerful reminder that the government is not indifferent. We are here, we are engaged, and we are ready to act when our people need us the most,” he said.
Munyakho’s release is a moment of triumph not only for his family but for the broader Kenyan diaspora affirming that when diplomacy, determination, and compassion come together, even the darkest chapters can find resolution.
