Saudi Authorities Set New Execution Date for Kenyan National, Family in Distress

Saudi Authorities Set New Execution Date for Kenyan National, Family in Distress

The plight of Kenyan citizen Stephen Keshi Arap Munyakho who faces the prospect of execution by beheading in Saudi Arabia has gripped the nation with concern and uncertainty.

Despite diplomatic efforts to secure his release, the situation remains uncertain with July 27 as the new execution date. According to reports, Munyakho, a former warehouse manager in Yemen, was convicted of manslaughter in October 2011 for his alleged involvement in a fatal altercation with a Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh on April 9 of that year. However, in a shocking turn of events, a Shariah court later revised the verdict to murder in June 2014, subjecting Munyakho to the harrowing possibility of execution by beheading as prescribed by Shariah law. Since then, Munyakho has been incarcerated in various Saudi prisons, his fate hanging in the balance as diplomatic efforts continue.

The initial execution date, set for May 13, was postponed after government officials intervened through diplomatic channels. The reprieve, however, was temporary as the victim's family insisted on adhering to the legal requirements of Shariah law. The Yemeni family had initially agreed to accept a blood money payment of 10 million riyals, equivalent to Sh352.2 million, but subsequent negotiations reduced the amount to 3.5 million riyals, or approximately Sh123 million at the current exchange rate. Dissatisfied with the Sh8 million (SAR231,685) offered during the renegotiations, the family remains resolute in their pursuit of justice.

Meanwhile, Munyakho's mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, has expressed profound gratitude for the postponement of the execution, although she acknowledges the lingering anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the new execution date. Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has also conveyed his appreciation for the temporary reprieve, addressing the issue through a lengthy social media post. As the Kenyan government signaled its commitment to assisting in bringing Munyakho back home, the family's crowdfunding efforts have stalled. However, Kweyu remains undeterred, imploring supporters not to abandon their plight.

"Please don't give up or feel like we're out of the woods. We still need your help. Every donation counts to ensure this frightening situation doesn't become a reality. Help us bring Stevo home," she pleads.

The pay bill number 8056675 and account number (donor's name) have been provided, along with the mobile number 0702878717 (Dorothy Musopole), enabling concerned individuals to contribute generously towards Munyakho's potential release.
 

Comments

MANUBHAI PATEL (not verified)     Thu, 06/13/2024 @ 03:55pm

I am living in USA since last 19 years and I lived in Kenya 25 years before coming to US.Those 25 years in Kenya was golden period of my life.And I am missing that life in USA. Actually there is no life in USA other than money which cannot buy happiness and peace. I feel indebted to Kenya. I don't know how I can be helpful in the current problem as I have witnessed my self that unfortunately people spend more money after dead people than living people. If anyone interested to debate I am ready so we can arrive at fruitful solution and make speedy contributions.

Maxiley (not verified)     Thu, 06/13/2024 @ 06:34pm

It may not matter now,but why did they change the ruling from manslaughter to murder? It is also my understanding that the two parties were engaged in a physical altercation ,but how the man ended up dying has never been made clear. I get the impression that there was no intention,or plan of killing,or murdering anyone.However, I stand corrected.
I call upon all human rights' activists to join hands,and help save this life;at least to support their conviction that every human being has a right to life.
For lack of better wording,I will say that at least their is good news if family, friends, wellwishers,right to life activists, and people of faith can raise the required money; a one human being Mr. Munyakho could live. Let's join hands and help.

Luvan Mensah (not verified)     Sat, 06/15/2024 @ 03:50pm

@Maxiley, unless you are posting behind the bars, I guess it was Remorse that you were the Jaluo running naked killed a Neighbour and tried rapping a roommate.

Keep standing

Thu, 01/18/2024 @ 10:04pm
REPLY
Is this maxiley guy? He's vanished lately 🙏

Ali

Fri, 01/19/2024 @ 02:36pmIn reply to Is this maxiley guy? He's… by Keep standing
REPLY
Yaaa, the dude is Maxiley!

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA
4 + 0 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.