Steven Munyakho
- 1 view
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the impending release of Steven Munyakho, a Kenyan national imprisoned in Saudi Arabia since 2012 for manslaughter.
While a settlement to secure his release was publicly announced, official confirmation remains pending, creating confusion and concern among Munyakho's family and support committee. On Tuesday, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar declared during an Iftar at State House that the Muslim World League had successfully paid Sh129.5 million ($1 million) in "blood money" to the victim's family.
Omar stated that Munyakho would soon be reunited with his family due to the collaborative efforts of the Muslim World League, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya. However, the Committee for the Release of Munyakho has released a statement asserting that, despite media reports and inquiries directed to government officials in both Kenya and Saudi Arabia, they have not received official confirmation of the payment.
"The Committee for the Release of Steven Bertrand Munyakho, the Kenyan who was sentenced to execution in Saudi Arabia, is aware of media reports and pronouncements that one of the institutional benefactors has paid the balance of 2.9 million Saudi Riyals of the 3.5 million Saudi riyals blood money set by the court as a condition for his release," a statement from the committee read in part.
The committee emphasizes that confirmation of the payment would be "an answered prayer." Munyakho's case dates back to 2012, when he was initially convicted of manslaughter. Upon appeal by the victim's family, the sentence was elevated to execution. As an alternative, the family was offered Sh120,750,000 (3.5 million riyals) as a settlement.
"Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League here to State House. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan who was facing execution in Saudi Arabia,'' Omar announced.