The family of a Kenyan man, Stephen Munyakho can now breathe a sigh of relief after authorities in Saudi Arabia agreed to postpone his execution, which was set for May 15, 2024 (Wednesday).
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, the Saudi authorities have agreed to further negotiations.
"I am deeply grateful to inform you that authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have kindly granted our request to postpone the impending execution of Stephen Munyakho (now known as Abdulkareem), to allow for further negotiations between all parties," he said on Monday.
"As we devise strategies to bring this matter to a more acceptable conclusion, 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."
Sing'oei said that in the coming days, the government will engage stakeholders in Nairobi and Riyadh, on the best way to bring the matter to a conclusion.
He said the talks will include representations from religious leadership, to agree on the next urgent steps.
Munyakho better known as Stevo to his family and friends, had been involved in an argument which turned violent with his friend and colleague Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh.
In the altercation involving a letter opener, Saleh was stabbed and wounded. He managed to get to the hospital where he later succumbed.
Stevo was also injured but not fatally.
A trial began and Stevo was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison.
Saleh's family however appealed at a Shariah court and in a turn from bad to worse, Stevo was sentenced to death.
This meant that besides having an ‘expiry date’, the Kenyan, who is a father of three – two sons and a daughter, was to face his death with a sword.
Alternatively, a "diya" or "blood money", could be paid as financial compensation to the victim or his heir in cases of murder, bodily harm or property destruction by mistake.
This is provided by the Islamic law.
In Stevo's case, being manslaughter – killing by mistake- Saleh’s family agreed to 10 million Saudi Arabia Riyals (SAR).
This was however negotiated and managed to get it reduced to 3.5 million Saudi Riyals, which translated to approximately Sh150 million.
This is the amount which must be paid, in full, before Stevo is released and the sword hanging over his head is taken away.
Munyakho's family has been trying to raise funds to secure his release.
Last week, they appealed to Kenyans and all well-wishers to help raise the money.
A Committee formed for the ‘Bring Back Stevo’ matter also appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and help Stevo.
“We urge him to apply his authority and influence to help secure the release of Stephen Munyakho or plead an extension of the May 15 deadline to give the family more time to raise the money,” chairman Joseph Odindo said.