After years of anguish, the heart-wrenching story of Stephen Munyakho (now known as AbduKareem), a Kenyan national convicted of manslaughter and later upgraded to murder in 2011, takes a hopeful turn after billionaire Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa intervened and paid a whooping $1 million (Sh129.5 million).
His life was in the hands of the Saudi justice system, but now, thanks to an extraordinary act of diplomacy and compassion, he is on the path to freedom.
Under Saudi law, the payment of ‘diya’ (blood money) can secure clemency. With unwavering support from his family and the Kenyan government, Stephen’s fate was finally changed.
Stephen Munyakho was sentenced to death by the sword and was to be executed on Wednesday, May 15, 2025. Munyakho had spent 13 years in different Saudi prisons, after being involved in an altercation with a colleague in April 2011, where the colleague succumbed to injuries.
The Muslim World League (MWL), led by Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, stepped in, facilitating the payment of a staggering $1 million (Sh129.5 million) to the victim’s family.
The breakthrough came after intense diplomatic negotiations, including a personal appeal from President William Ruto to Dr. Al-Issa in August 2024.
This collective effort has led to the news we’ve all been waiting for: Stephen Munyakho is coming home.
United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Omar confirmed the news, stating that all legal formalities have been completed, and the Kenyan national will return home safely.
However, he reminded Kenyans to honor the laws of the countries they reside in, acknowledging that while the government can intervene, there are limitations.
A long-awaited moment of joy and relief for Stephen Munyakho and his family—finally, they can embrace their loved one once again.
Who is Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa?
Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa is one of the most influential Islamic scholars and global interfaith leaders of modern times. He is also among the wealthiest people in Saudi Arabia with a reported net worth of $3 billion.
Born in Saudi Arabia, he previously served as the Minister of Justice and is widely known for his views on interfaith dialogue, counter-extremism, and global peace initiatives.
Since assuming leadership of the Muslim World League in 2016, Dr. Al-Issa has transformed the organization into a dynamic force for international cooperation.
He has spearheaded initiatives aimed at combating religious extremism, advocating for Muslim minorities, and fostering unity between different faith communities.
His outreach efforts have included collaborations with the Vatican, Jewish leaders, and Christian organizations, positioning him as a key figure in interreligious diplomacy.
Dr. Al-Issa has also been vocal in condemning terrorism, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.
Under his leadership, the MWL has launched educational programs to counter radical ideologies and promote moderate interpretations of Islamic teachings.
His influence has earned him recognition as a global peace ambassador, with invitations to speak at major international forums, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum.
Understanding the Muslim World League
The Muslim World League was founded in 1962 and headquartered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Initially established to promote Islamic teachings and foster unity among Muslim nations, its mandate has expanded to encompass humanitarian aid, interfaith dialogue, and cultural diplomacy.
The MWL operates through various global initiatives, including relief programs for refugees, education funding, and disaster response efforts.
It actively engages with governments and religious institutions to advocate for policies that promote coexistence and mutual respect among diverse communities.
In recent years, the organization has strengthened its partnerships with African nations, focusing on social welfare and educational projects.
