Execution of Kenyan jailed for manslaughter in Saudi Arabia postponed for 1 year
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Munyakho has been on death row in Saudi Arabia for over a decade after being convicted of killing a Yemeni national, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh.
The execution of Kenyan citizen Stephen Munyakho, set for November 26, 2024, in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed for a year after negotiations between the Kenya Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities, and the widow of the deceased.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei announced on Thursday that the parties are looking forward to more negotiations.
"I am pleased to inform that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities, and the Widow, the impending execution of judgement against Stephen Munyakho (Abdulkareem) due for November 26, 2024, has been postponed for another year to allow parties to settle outstanding obligations," he said.
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The PS added that the government will continue relying on the two countries' cordial relations towards concluding the matter.
Munyakho has been on death row in Saudi Arabia for over a decade after being convicted of killing a Yemeni national, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh.
Abdul was stabbed and later died in the hospital, while Munyakho sustained injuries.
After a trial, Munyakho was found guilty of manslaughter in 2013 and handed a five-year prison sentence.
However, Abdul's family appealed to a Shariah court, resulting in his sentencing to death, which meant that the father of three would lose his life.
Munyakho has been in custody for 13 years since April 9, 2011, in Shimeisi Prison in the Governorate of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi, "diya" or "blood money" can be paid as compensation for unintentional harm or killing.
In Munyakho's case, the family agreed to pay 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (approximately Sh150 million). This amount must be paid in full for him to be released from prison and for the threat of execution to be lifted.
On May 13, 2024, Saudi Arabia agreed to postpone the execution of Kenyan Stephen Munyakho, which was originally set for May 16, 2024, to allow further negotiations following the 2011 tragedy.
Foreign PS had earlier lauded the Kenya Mission in Riyadh for their dedicated effort in engaging Saudi authorities and the family of the deceased.
"We intend to further pursue all diplomatic channels available to resolve this matter and bring Stephen home," he said.
He added that the government and Munyakho's family will start consolidating all fundraising efforts to assess the progress made.
The PS had called on Kenyans to support raising the required 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (approximately Sh120 million at the current exchange rate).
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