The execution deadline for the Kenyan jailed in Saudi Arabia has been extended by four months.
According to a statement by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, Stephen (Stevo) Munyakho has until November 26, 2024.
"Following our intervention, the deadline for the collection of compensation has been extended by four months from the initial July 26, 2024, to November 26, 2024," he said.
He urged Kenyans to help raise the money required to release Munyakho.
"We call on everyone's support in raising the required 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (approximately Sh120 million as at the current exchange rate)," he said.
Sing'oei assured that the government is continuing to actively search for the resolution of the outstanding and complex matter involving Munyakho.
"We continue to work with Stephen's family and will consolidate all fundraising efforts on the week beginning July 8, 2024, to assess progress made," the PS added.
He lauded the Kenya Mission in Riyadh for their dedicated effort in engaging Saudi authorities and the family of the deceased.
He said they also intend to further pursue all diplomatic channels available to resolve the matter and bring Stephen home.
Munyakho — described by his mother as harmless, gentle and peaceful all his life — is alleged to have engaged in a fight with a colleague in the latter's office on April 9, 2011.
The 50-year-old was a warehouse manager at the establishment when the fatal fight between him and the Yemeni national named Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh broke out.
A Saudi Arabia court convicted Munyakho of manslaughter in October 2011, a sentence that was overturned by a Shariah court, which enhanced it to murder in June 2014.
Since then, Munyakho has been a state guest in various Saudi prisons.
According to Sharia law, Munyakho is a candidate for being led to a butchering field for beheading by the sword.
The execution was delayed because one of the victim’s sons was a minor and had to attain the age of majority to give consent as per the Shariah law.
The execution date was initially set for May 13, but after reported diplomatic engagements by government officials, it was postponed.
After negotiations, in 2019, however, the Yemeni family agreed to blood money amounting to 10 million riyals, equivalent to Sh352.2 million.
Further negotiations reduced the amount to 3.5 million riyals last November, equivalent to over Sh120 million.
The family had shared a paybill number 8056675 for kind giving. The account number is the name of the contributor.
The send money option is through the number 0702878717 (Dorothy Musopole).
