Mudavadi Highlights Lack of Funds to Save Kenyan from Saudi Execution

Kenyan national imprisoned in Saudi Arabia Stephen Munyakho has been granted a temporary reprieve from execution.

Originally scheduled for May 15, 2024, his execution has been postponed allowing for further negotiations and a potential resolution to his predicament. However, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs finds itself lacking the necessary funds to secure Munyakho's release despite actively engaging in diplomatic interventions to save his life. Munyakho's ordeal began with a violent altercation involving his friend and colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh. During the heated argument, Saleh was stabbed, and he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

While Munyakho sustained injuries, he survived the incident. Initially convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison, Munyakho's situation took a dire turn when Saleh's family appealed the case to a Shariah court, resulting in a death sentence for Munyakho. Under Islamic law, there exists an alternative to execution known as "diya" or "blood money." This compensation can be paid to the victim or their heir in cases of accidental killing, bodily harm, or property destruction. In Munyakho's case, Saleh's family agreed to accept 10 million Saudi Arabia Riyals (SAR), which was later negotiated down to 3.5 million SAR (approximately Sh150 million).

This substantial sum must be paid in full to secure Munyakho's release and remove the impending threat of execution. Undeterred by the financial burden, Munyakho's family is tirelessly working to raise the necessary funds to meet this obligation and bring their loved one back home.