Kenyan Man Freed from Death Row in Saudi Arabia After 10-Year Ordeal

Man Freed from Death Row in Saudi Arabia

In a remarkable turn of events a Kenyan man who spent more than 10 years on death row in Saudi Arabia has been freed and is finally returning home. The man whose individuality has not been publicly disclosed due to diplomatic sensitivities was convicted over a fatal incident more than a period ago an event that thrust him into the harsh spotlight of the Saudi justice system.

His release marks the culmination of years of diplomatic negotiations, legal appeals and community-driven fundraising efforts highlighting the power of international advocacy and Kenya-Saudi Arabia cooperation.

Main Highlights

• Name withheld for privacy reasons
• Detained in Riyadh Prison for over 10 years
• Released after a $1 Million “blood money” (diya) settlement was paid
• Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, diaspora groups and the Kenyan government played serious roles
• Case underlines the challenges facing East African prisoners in Gulf Countries

What Led to His Arrest?

The man was accused of causing the death of a Saudi national during a workplace altercation in Riyadh in the early 2010s. As per Saudi Arabia’s Sharia-based legal system, such cases can result in the death penalty unless the victim’s family agrees to accept “diya or compensation in exchange for a pardon.

Over the years efforts to raise the diya stalled due to the enormous sum demanded over $1 million (approx. KSh 130 million).

How Was He Freed?

The turning point came in 2025, when an international fundraising campaign backed by Kenyan diaspora communities, human rights activists and NGOs, helped increase the required blood money.

Key Contributors:

• Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh provided legal and logistical support
• Kenyan government execs negotiated behind the scenes
• The victim’s family agreed to the Settlement leading to a formal pardon

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Diplomatic Success: Kenya-Saudi Arabia Relations

This case reflects growing diplomatic maturity among Kenya and Saudi Arabia. Kenyan Foreign Affairs officials praised the Saudi authorities for their cooperation, while emphasizing the need to establish improved legal aid systems for Kenyans abroad.

“This was a humanitarian win. We must now push for systemic protections for all Kenyans working in Gulf nations.”
Senior Kenyan foreign affairs official (anonymous source)

The Broader Crisis: African Prisoners in Gulf Countries

This is not an isolated case. Dozens of East African immigrants particularly from Kenya Uganda and Ethiopia, are currently facing legal limbo or capital punishment in Gulf states often due to misunderstandings lack of proper legal representation or manager disputes.

Common Challenges:

• Language barriers
• Limited consular access
• Lack of legal representation
• Misinterpretation of Islamic law in disputes

Human rights organizations have called for a regional legal defense fund to support African migrants in Gulf countries.

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Call to Action

If you are part of the Kenyan diaspora consider joining support groups that provide legal aid to migrants. For more updates on legal and diplomatic news involving African nationals abroad: