Son to veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, Stephen Munyakho, popularly known as Stevo, who was due for execution in Saudi Arabia, can breathe a sigh of relief after Ksh 129 million blood money was settled.
While addressing an Iftar dinner at State House on Tuesday March 25, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar announced that the money has been settled.
“Last year, we brought the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Issa, to State House. Through the Chairman of SUPKEM and the President, a heartfelt request was made to Dr. Khisa regarding a Kenyan who was facing the death penalty by beheading for murder, seeking possible intervention.
I believe the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Kenya, Ambassador Khalid, has confirmed that the request has been honored. The 1 million dollars has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe and sound,” said Omar.
Stephen Munyakho to Return to Kenya After ‘Blood Money’ Was Settled
At the same time, the UDA Secretary General warned Kenyans to respect other countries laws while there are being hosted in those foreign countries.
“But also, to remind Kenyans, wherever you are, to respect the laws of the countries you live in — whether in Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa, or Saudi Arabia. The government can intervene, but it has its limitations. Ukiamua kuenda kwa territory ya mtu, heshimu sheria ya mtu so that Kenyans remain law-abiding and peace-loving people,” the UDA Secretary General warned.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Postpones Execution of Kenyan in Prison for Over 13 Years
The news comes as a sigh of relief to Stephen’s family, who have been walking to different media houses appealing to Kenyans to help them raise funds for months to raise the blood money. The campaign to bring Stephen Munyakho home was dubbed “Bring Back Stevo.”
Stephen’s tribulations in Saudi Arabia began in 2011 while he was working there. He was involved in a fatal altercation with a colleague, which led to his conviction for manslaughter.
Government Intervenes in Stephen’s Case
Initially, he was sentenced to five years in prison, but this sentence was later overturned, and he was sentenced to death by beheading under Sharia law.
However, the Kenyan government, through Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei, intervened with the Saudi Arabian government to allow Steve’s family to pay ‘blood money’ instead of Stephen facing execution.
Also Read: Situations When Govt Cannot Negotiate for Repatriation of Citizens- Experts
Stephen Munyakho’s execution was initially set for May 13, 2024. However, after diplomatic negotiations, it was postponed to November 26, 2024.
The Kenyan government secured another one-year postponement, allowing more time for negotiations and fundraising efforts.
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