Relief as Saudi authorities postpone execution of Kenyan man

The family of Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man, can now find solace as authorities in Saudi Arabia have agreed to postpone his execution, originally scheduled for May 15, 2024 (Wednesday).

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei announced the news on Monday, expressing gratitude for the Saudi authorities' decision to delay Munyakho's execution to allow for further negotiations.

"As we devise strategies to bring this matter to a more acceptable conclusion, thereby giving both families the closure they so urgently need and deserve, we shall continue to lean on the warm and solid friendship that we have with our Saudi partners, as well as on the goodwill of all Kenyans," Sing'oei stated.

Sing'oei mentioned that in the forthcoming days, the government will engage stakeholders in Nairobi and Riyadh to determine the best course of action to resolve the matter.

These discussions will involve input from religious leaders to determine the next urgent steps.

Munyakho, also known as Stevo to his family and friends, was involved in a violent altercation with his friend and colleague Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, resulting in Saleh's death.

Initially convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison, Munyakho's situation worsened when Saleh's family appealed at a Shariah court, leading to a death sentence.

In light of Islamic law, Munyakho's case involved the possibility of "diya" or "blood money" as compensation to the victim's family.

The negotiated amount was reduced to 3.5 million Saudi Riyals, approximately equivalent to Sh150 million, which must be paid in full for Munyakho's release and the removal of the threat of execution.