The family of Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan detained in Saudi Arabia on murder charges, can now breathe a sigh of relief after Sh150 million in blood money has been paid to secure his release.

Munyakho, who worked as a warehouse manager, was sentenced to death by sword following a 2011 altercation with a Yemeni colleague who later succumbed to his injuries.

The chairperson of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Hassan Ole Naado, a member of the Muslim World League, confirmed that Munyakho’s release is underway after successful negotiations between officials from both countries.

 Naado also stated that the victim’s family has received the payment.

‘’As we speak today, I have been reliably informed that the victim’s family has received the money and it is now in the hands of the authorities of the government of Saudi Arabia to process Steve for release.”

‘’The administrative procedures in Saudi Arabia are now underway to process Steve for release and, once those are done, our brother will, by the Grace of Allah, be set free to come back home,” said Naado on Friday.

The Supkem chair expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for its role in the negotiations.

Munyakho, who was scheduled for execution last year May, was granted a reprieve after Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry intervened, initiating further discussions involving diplomats and religious leaders.

Naado’s remarks came days after UDA Party Secretary-General Hassan Omar announced, during a state Iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, that the negotiations had succeeded.

Omar credited Muhammad Al-Issa, the Saudi religious leader and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, for his involvement in the talks.

Both Omar and Naado urged Kenyans living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries. “I would like to appeal to Kenyans to be law-abiding citizens when in foreign countries as what will happen to you there will be solely on you,” said Naado.