Saudi Arabia to Release Kenyan on Death Row After Ksh 129.5M Payout
Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan facing imminent execution in Saudi Arabia, is set to return home.
This follows a successful intervention by the Muslim World League, which paid the required fines.
Hassan Omar, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General, made the announcement during an Iftar hosted by President William Ruto at State House.
Omar revealed that delicate negotiations between Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the Muslim World League culminated in a settlement of KSh 129.5 million ($1 million). This payment resolved the accusations against Munyakho, paving the way for his release.
Diplomatic efforts, coordinated at State House, Nairobi, hinted at President Ruto’s involvement. “Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League here. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan facing execution,” Omar explained.
Khalid Al Salman, the Saudi Ambassador to Kenya, and Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, his Kenyan counterpart, confirmed the successful outcome. “Both our ambassadors have confirmed that the request has since been honoured, the one million dollars has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safely,” Omar assured.
Munyakho, who adopted the name Abdulkareem, was initially scheduled for execution on May 15th, having been convicted of killing a Yemeni national. However, the execution was postponed for a year, allowing for Kenya’s diplomatic intervention.
The case garnered national attention after his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, pleaded with the Kenyan government to intervene.
Munyakho had been imprisoned since 2012 and was required to pay Ksh150 million to the victim’s family.
Omar also issued a strong warning to Kenyans living abroad. “To warn Kenyans—wherever you are, respect the laws of the territories you live in, be it in Vietnam, Malaysia, or South Africa. The government can intervene, but it has its limitations.”
Munyakho’s reprieve occurs alongside the high-profile case of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan facing execution in Vietnam for narcotics trafficking.
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Saudi Arabia to Release Kenyan on Death Row After Ksh 129.5M Payout
