The impending execution of Kenyan man Stephen Munyakho in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by another year – Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei has revealed.

This follows successful diplomatic efforts by Kenyan officials.

Sing’oei on Stephen Munyakho’s execution

Sing’oei in a statement issued on Thursday, October 24, 2024, announced that Munyakho, who was scheduled to face the death penalty on November 26, 2024, will now have a further reprieve to allow parties involved to settle outstanding obligations.

PS Sing’oei commended the rigorous negotiations led by the Kenyan mission in Riyadh, in cooperation with Saudi authorities and Munyakho’s victim’s widow, that resulted in this extension.

“I am pleased to inform that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities and the Widow, the impending execution of judgement against Stephen Munyakho (Abdulkareem) due for November 26, 2024 has been postponed for another one year to allow parties settle outstanding obligations,” PS Sing’oei stated.

Stephen Munyakho’s sentence

Munyakho, the firstborn son to veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, is serving a death sentence following a guilty verdict issued under Sharia law in a court process that the family feels was unfair after being linked to the death of a Yemeni co-worker in 2011.

He was to be executed on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, before the government negotiated for a postponement to November 26, 2024, which has again been postponed for a further year.

PS Sing’oei highlighted the importance of the diplomatic channels between Kenya and Saudi Arabia in achieving this outcome.

“We shall continue relying on our two countries’ cordial relations towards concluding the matter. The goodwill of all Kenyans, partners, and stakeholders is equally appreciated,” he stated.

The Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Ruwange, was also praised for his leadership in these negotiations.

“I commend Ambassador Ruwange for his leadership on this important matter,” PS Sing’oei added.

I am pleased to inform that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities and the Widow, the impending execution of judgement against Stephen Munyakho (Abdulkareem) due for November 26, 2024 has been postponed for another one year to allow parties…

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) October 24, 2024

The family of the deceased man is demanding Ksh123 million ‘blood money’, which is the compensation payable to the kin of a murder victim under the Sharia law, to let Stephen Munyakho live.

Munyakho’s family, unable to raise the colossal amount demanded, had appealed to Kenyans to help raise the money even as diplomatic engagements continued.