Kenyan on Saudi Death Row Makes Desperate Appeal for Support

On July 24, 2024, Nation.Africa received an urgent letter from Stephen Bertrand Munyakho (Stevo), a Kenyan citizen imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.

The letter highlights the “Let’s Bring Back Stevo” campaign aimed at saving him from execution. Born on March 5, 1974, in Pumwani, Nairobi, Stevo is the eldest of nine siblings. He left Kenya in 1996 to seek opportunities in Saudi Arabia after completing his high school studies. Stevo’s life took a drastic turn due to a conflict at the tourist resort he managed. An altercation with a Yemeni colleague, Abdulhalim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, ended tragically with Abdulhalim’s death.

Stevo himself sustained injuries to his thigh and thumb. Initially sentenced to five years in jail for manslaughter, Stevo’s case took a turn for the worse when Abdul’s family appealed to a Sharia court, resulting in a death sentence. The execution was delayed because Abdul’s youngest child was only five years old at the time of his father’s death. The family had to wait for the child to turn 18 to give consent. Through negotiations, the family eventually decided against Stevo’s execution. However, Stevo now faces the option of paying “blood money” amounting to Sh150 million as compensation for Abdulhalim’s death. Unfortunately, Stevo’s family lacks the financial resources to gather this sum.

Since the Kenyan public became aware of Stevo’s situation, there has been an outpouring of support. Contributions of various sizes have been made, ranging from Sh200 to Sh1000. As of the day before the letter was written, the funds raised by Stevo’s family and the Bring Back Stevo Campaign Committee had reached Sh11 million. During a press conference held in a Nairobi hotel, Stevo’s 73-year-old mother sat beside Joseph Odindo, the campaign committee’s chairman. Odindo updated the audience on the campaign’s progress and expressed gratitude to those who had offered assistance.

He acknowledged the efforts of officials such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’oei, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange. Odindo also called on social media influencers to support Stevo’s cause. Odindo emphasized the power of collective action, stating that if 100,000 Kenyans were to contribute Sh1,000 each, significant progress could be made towards the goal. He expressed confidence in the resilience of Kenyans who have historically risen to meet challenges during tough times. To support the campaign, donations can be made via M-Pesa PayBill number 8056675 under the account name “Let’s Bring Back Stevo.” Alternatively, funds can be sent directly to Stevo’s mother, Dorothy Musopole, at 0702878717.