Kenyan Death Row Inmate in Saudi Arabia Granted Year-Long Reprieve

The execution of Kenyan migrant worker Stephen Munyakho (also known as Abdulkareem) in Saudi Arabia has been postponed for another year, marking the third extension of his death sentence.

This latest development comes after extensive diplomatic negotiations between Kenyan officials in Riyadh, Saudi authorities, and the family of the deceased. Munyakho's case dates back to 2011 when he was convicted of manslaughter, leading to a death sentence from a Shariah court in 2014. The execution, initially scheduled for May 13, 2024, was first moved to November 26, 2024, before this latest extension. The postponement allows continued negotiations over blood money (diya), a form of financial compensation permitted under Sharia law as an alternative to capital punishment.

The diplomatic breakthrough has already yielded significant progress, with the victim's family reducing their initial demand from 10 million riyals to 3.5 million riyals (approximately Sh120 million). Munyakho's family has been actively working to raise this sum, while Kenya's diplomatic corps has leveraged the nation's strong bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia to facilitate discussions. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has expressed optimism about reaching a permanent resolution, while Ambassador Ruwange, Kenya's representative in Saudi Arabia, continues to play a key role in mediating between all parties.

"I am pleased to inform that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities and the Widow, the impending execution of judgment against Stephen Munyakho (Abdulkareem) due on November 26, 2024 has been postponed for another one year to allow parties settle outstanding obligations," PS Sing'oei said.

According to Islamic law, Munyakho is sentenced to execution by sword. His execution was delayed because one of the victim's sons was a minor and had to reach an older age to give consent as required by Islamic law. Munyakho's family has been raising funds to pay the blood money. While the suspect has one more year to fight the sentence, there are other options available, such as a reduced sentence, transferring the case back to Kenya, or reaching an out-of-court settlement between the two families, which would likely involve financial compensation.