A Kenyan man imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for murder has been released after a $1 million “blood money” (diyya) payment was made to the victim’s family, ending a high-stakes case that has drawn international attention and renewed debate over migrant rights in the Gulf region.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly for legal reasons, had been sentenced under Saudi Arabia’s Islamic legal system, which allows families of victims to demand financial compensation in exchange for pardoning the accused.
His release comes after months of coordinated fundraising efforts by his family, well-wishers, and advocacy groups in Kenya, along with diplomatic engagement by the Kenyan government. The settlement reportedly reached the $1 million mark just days before the deadline set by Saudi authorities.
“We thank all Kenyans who contributed and stood with this young man during his darkest hour,” said a statement from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “His return home is a moment of relief, but it also reminds us of the urgent need for better protections for our citizens working abroad.”
READ ALSO: Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21 Billion External Loan Request
The case has revived criticism of the diyya system, which some human rights advocates argue disproportionately affects poor migrant workers, who often lack legal representation or the means to meet financial demands set by victims’ families.
“This man was lucky—he had public support,” said Wanjiru Kamau, director of the Kenya Migrant Rights Network. “Many others remain behind bars, forgotten, with no one to raise such amounts for their freedom.”
Saudi Arabia is home to millions of migrant workers, including thousands of Kenyans, many of whom work in domestic, construction, and service sectors. Cases involving legal disputes or abuse have prompted ongoing calls for stronger labor agreements between Gulf nations and African countries.
As the freed man prepares to return to Kenya, activists and lawmakers are pushing for reforms to ensure that no other migrant worker faces such a precarious legal and financial ordeal in the future.