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In a reprieve for a Kenyan man facing execution, Saudi Arabia Monday, May 13th agreed to postpone the death sentence of Stephen Bertrand Munyakho, also known as Abdulkareem. Munyakho, 37, had been scheduled for execution by beheading on Wednesday, May 15th, after spending 13 years in various Saudi prisons.
The news was announced by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, who expressed his gratitude to Saudi authorities for granting the postponement. This delay allows for “further negotiations between all parties,” Sing’oei stated.
Munyakho was convicted of murder in April 2011 following a fight with a colleague that resulted in the colleague’s death. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is seeking a “more acceptable conclusion” to the case, aiming to provide closure for both families involved.
Sing’oei highlighted the importance of Kenya’s strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and the goodwill of the Kenyan public in achieving a positive outcome. He also announced plans to engage with stakeholders in both Nairobi and Riyadh, including religious leaders, to chart a path forward.
On Tuesday, PS Sing’oei met with Ms Dorothy Kweyu, a veteran journalist and mother to Munyao to assure her of the government’s efforts to bring the son home and safe.
“While acknowledging the monumental challenge related to the case of her son, I assured Mama Dorothy and the family that the Government would take all necessary measures to help Stephen come back home,” PS Sing’Oei wrote on X.
The Ministry commended its teams in both Kenya and Saudi Arabia for their tireless efforts in securing this postponement.
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