A Kenyan family is in a race against time to raise approximately KSh150 million to save their son from execution in Saudi Arabia.

The family of Stephen Bertrand Munyakho has until May 15 to raise the money or he be killed for the offense of murder.

What happened?

In April 9, 2011, an altercation occurred between Munyakho — who was then a warehouse manager — and his workmate identified as Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, a Yemeni national.

Unfortunately, the altercation led to the death of Mujahid.

“He has been an inmate in several Saudi Arabia jails for the past 13 years after he was convicted of killing his workmate…He is currently incarcerated at Shimeisi Prison in Makkah region,” the family says.

Munyakho — who was injured too during the altercation — was initially sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter. But this was before a Shariah court sentenced him to death following an appeal by the victim’s family.

‘We are hopeful’

“We are here to make an urgent appeal to Kenyans of goodwill to help us raise 3.5 million Saudi Riyals (approximately Ksh150 million /US$940,000). That huge amount is the ‘blood money’ which must be paid before Stevo can be released. And the deadline for payment, which is fast approaching, is May 15, next Wednesday,” the family pleads.

Emily Abukho, Munyakho’s sister, says that the family remains hopeful of raising the amount through all possible means.

So far, the family has raised KSh7 million.

One can make his or her contributions through direct transfers to Munyahko’s mother, Dorothy Kweyu Musopole, via Mpesa at 0702-878-717, or through the designated Paybill number 8056677, under the account name “Lets Bring Back Stevo.”