Less than 24 hours after UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced that the Muslim World League had successfully paid a Ksh129.5 million ($1 million) settlement for the release of Steven Munyakho, a Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia, his family has come out with fresh concerns, stating that they have not received any official confirmation.
In a press statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Committee for the Release of Munyakho maintained that they were yet to receive an official communication from the concerned stakeholders despite making inquiries but have not received a response.
"The Committee for the Release of Steven Bertrand Munyakho, the Kenyan who was sentenced to execution in Saudi Arabia, is aware of media reports and pronouncements that one of the institutional benefactors has paid the balance of 2.9 million Saudi Riyals of the 3.5 million Saudi riyals blood money set by the court as a condition for his release," a statement from the committee read in part.
"However, we have yet to receive an official communication as a committee. We have contacted government officials in Kenya and Saudi Arabia and will notify the public of the latest developments as soon as we receive confirmation."
The committee further added, "If accurate, this information will be an answered prayer for the many well-wishers supporting the Save Stevo Campaign."
Munyako was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 after a fatal altercation with a friend. The victim's family appealed, resulting in an enhanced sentence of execution with an option for Ksh120,750,000 (3.5 million riyals) in blood money.
He had been incarcerated for the past 13 years, and, as of yesterday, he was still being held in Dhaban Prison, Jeddah.
Speaking on Tuesday during an Iftar at State House hosted by President William Ruto, Omar announced that following successful negotiations between Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the Muslim World League, Munyakho would be reuniting with his family.
According to Omar, the negotiations, which involved key officials from both countries, resulted in a total of Ksh129.5 million ($1 million) being paid to the Gulf nation as a settlement for the accusations Munyakho was facing.
During the announcement, Omar revealed that diplomatic efforts to save Munyakho were coordinated at State House, Nairobi, hinting at possible involvement by President William Ruto.
"Last year, we brought the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League here to State House. Through SUPKEM and the President, we made a passionate request regarding the case of the Kenyan who was facing execution in Saudi Arabia,'' Omar announced.
"Both our ambassadors have confirmed that the request has since been honoured, the one million dollars has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safely.''
