The execution deadline for Steve Munyakho, full names Steven Bertrand Munyakho, a Kenyan imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, has been extended to November 26, 2024. Munyakho faces execution by beheading for killing Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, unless 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (approximately KSh 120 million) in blood money is raised. This execution, initially set for Wednesday, May 15, was postponed following interventions by the Kenyan government.
“Following our intervention, the deadline for the collection of compensation has been extended by four months from the initial July 26, 2024, to November 26, 2024,” Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said.
https://bnn.ke/kenyan-mothers-fight-to-save-son-from-execution-in-saudi-arabia/https://bnn.ke/kenyan-mothers-fight-to-save-son-from-execution-in-saudi-arabia/Steve Munyakho’s mother, Nation Journalist Dorothy Kweyu who has fought tooth and nail for her son’s life, met with PS Korir Sing’oei on May 14, 2024, to discuss the case. The Kenyan government is urging citizens to assist in raising the required blood money to secure Munyakho’s release.
“We call on everyone’s support in raising the required 3.5 million Saudi Riyals,” Sing’oei said.
Sing’oei assured that the government is working diligently to resolve the complex issue involving Munyakho.
“We continue to work with Stephen’s family and will consolidate all fundraising efforts on the week beginning July 8, 2024, to assess progress made,” he added.
He commended the Kenya Mission in Riyadh for their efforts in engaging Saudi authorities and the victim’s family. The Kenyan government is committed to using all diplomatic channels to bring Steve Munyakho home.
Munyakho, described by his mother as “harmless, gentle, and peaceful all his life,” was involved in a fatal fight with Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh on April 9, 2011.
Munyakho, then a 50-year-old warehouse manager, was convicted of manslaughter in October 2011.
However, in June 2014, the Shariah enhanced this to a murder charge in June 2014.
Image: PS KORIR SING’OEI/X
The execution was initially delayed until the victim’s minor son reached the age of majority to consent to the execution. The execution date was first set for May 13, but diplomatic efforts led to postponement.
In 2019, the victim’s family agreed to accept blood money of 10 million riyals (KSh 352.2 million). After further negotiations, this amount was reduced to 3.5 million riyals last November, equivalent to over KSh 120 million.
Sing’oei has stressed the urgency of the situation and called for national support to raise the needed funds to save Munyakho.
By Vivian K.