The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a significant announcement on May 13th that Stephen Munyakho’s execution in Saudi Arabia was postponed.
This news came from Korir Singo’ei, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Singo’ei revealed that Saudi authorities granted Kenya’s request to delay Munyakho’s execution, allowing for further negotiations.
Stephen Munyakho, now known as Abdulkareem, faced execution on May 15th for the killing of a Yemeni national in Saudi Arabia. Singo’ei emphasized the importance of finding a resolution beneficial to both families and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s cooperation.
“As we devise strategies to bring this matter to a more acceptable conclusion, and thereby giving both families the closure they so urgently need and deserve, we shall continue to lean on the warm and solid friendship that we have with our Saudi partners, as well as on the goodwill of all Kenyans,” a statement from PS Sing’oei read in part.
“In the coming days, we shall be engaging stakeholders in Nairobi and Riyadh, including representations from our religious leadership, to agree on the next urgent steps.”
This turn of events was a relief for Munyakho’s family, particularly his mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, who had pleaded with the Kenyan government for intervention.
Stephen Munyakho had been imprisoned since 2012 and faced a hefty compensation demand of Ksh150 million, which his family struggled to raise.
President William Ruto’s administration directed diplomatic efforts to prevent Munyakho’s execution, highlighting the importance of international relations in such matters.
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Munyakho’s situation garnered attention due to the involvement of religious and diplomatic stakeholders from both Nairobi and Riyadh.
Singo’ei underscored the collaborative efforts between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Kenya’s mission in Riyadh, acknowledging their tireless work.
Abdulkareem’s story began in April 2011 when a fight with a colleague in Saudi Arabia resulted in tragic consequences. Sentenced to death by the sword, Abdulkareem spent 13 years in various Saudi prisons.
The postponement of his execution offered a glimmer of hope for a resolution that would spare his life and provide closure to both families involved.
