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.