Kenyan Man Escapes Execution in Saudi Arabia
By Caroline Ameh
In a race against time, Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan man facing execution in Saudi Arabia, has been spared from imminent death following a fervent social media campaign that captured global attention.
Munyakho, the son of esteemed journalist Dorothy Kweyu, found himself on death row in 2011 after a tragic altercation with a colleague in Saudi Arabia, resulting in fatal consequences. Despite enduring injuries himself, Munyakho’s survival led to his conviction and the imposition of a death sentence under Saudi law.
The “Bring Back Stevo” campaign, propelled by Munyakho’s supporters, shed light on the perceived injustices of his case, rallying for a reassessment of the circumstances. Central to their plea was the endeavor to secure blood money compensation, a prerequisite for overturning the death sentence in Saudi jurisprudence, amounting to three-and-a-half million Saudi riyals ($940,000; £750,000) for the deceased’s family.
With Munyakho’s scheduled execution looming ominously, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs delivered a ray of hope on Monday, announcing Saudi Arabia’s gracious decision to postpone the execution. This respite aims to facilitate further dialogues and negotiations among all involved parties, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution that upholds justice and compassion.
Expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s cooperation, Korir Sing’Oei reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to pursuing diplomatic avenues and harnessing the goodwill of its citizens to secure a just outcome for Munyakho and the bereaved family.
As Munyakho’s fate hangs in the balance, the reprieve symbolizes the power of collective advocacy and underscores the importance of preserving human rights in all corners of the world.
