‘Bring back Stevo’: Kenyan facing execution in Saudi gets one-year reprieve

The family of Stephen Munyakho (alias Stevo), a Kenyan man who was sentenced to death by the sword in Saudi Arabia, can now breathe a temporary sigh of relief after the government secured a one-year postponement of his execution.

Munyakho was working in Saudi Arabia when was sentenced to execution after being involved in a fight with a colleague, who later succumbed to injuries, in April 2011.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei revealed on Thursday that negotiations between the Kenyan and Saudi governments, as well as the deceased man’s widow resolved to push the execution date which was slated for November 26 this year.

PS Singo’ei said the decision came after the parties agreed to give the families involved in the matter more time to “settle outstanding obligations.”

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

Following Munyakho’s sentencing, he is required to pay Ksh.150 million as blood money, known as ‘Diyah’ under Islamic law for him to secure a pardon from the victim’s family.

Since his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, began the 'Bring Back Stevo' campaign to raise the amount from Kenyans to save her son from execution, the family has raised about Ksh.11 million.

While lauding the efforts of Saudi Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ruwange to ensure Stevo's return home, PS Sing’oei expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations between the two nations.

“We shall continue relying on our two countries' cordial relations towards concluding the matter. The goodwill of all Kenyans, partners, and stakeholders is equally appreciated. I commend Ambassador Ruwange for his leadership on this important matter,” he noted.

Stevo moved to Saudi Arabia in his early 20s and has been held at Shimeisha Prison in Mecca for the last 13 years.

On May 13, PS Sing’oe said that Saudi Arabia agreed to postpone the impending execution of Munyakho which was initially set for May 15, 2024.

“I am deeply grateful to inform that authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have kindly granted our request to postpone the impending execution of Stephen Munyakho (now known as Abdulkareem), to allow for further negotiations between all parties,” the PS said on X then.

During an appearance in the Senate in July, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government had no budget allocation to settle the blood money for Munyakho.