The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has confirmed that the family of Stephen Munyakho has received the Ksh129 million blood money needed for his release and pardon from execution in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during a press conference with journalists on Friday, SUPKEM chairman Hassan Naado assured that the family had received the required funds from the Muslim World League and that the process for his release had been initiated.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Muslim World League, especially the leadership of Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for helping us save the life of our brother Stephen. On August 13, we requested the Muslim World League, which was in the country then, to help us, and one month ago, the League was able to provide their donation of one million dollars (Ksh129 million) to the family," Naado stated.
The confirmation comes amid uncertainty after the family had initially revealed that they had not received any funds after UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced the development.
The family's spokesperson and the Committee for the Release of Munyakho maintained that they had yet to receive official communication from the concerned stakeholders despite making inquiries.
The family can now breathe a sigh of relief after the confirmation and can be assured that their kin will be travelling back to the country.
The SUPKEM chair affirmed that they had made official communication with the League's Secretary General, Kenya's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Kenya, all of whom confirmed that the only remaining process was case processing, as it was not an easy one.
“As we speak today, I have been reliably informed that the victim's family has received the money, and it is now in the hands of the authorities of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to process Steve for release,” SUPKEM confirmed.
Munyakho 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.
There have been efforts behind the scenes by his family and the Kenyan government to save him from the sentence, efforts that have so far borne fruit.
SUPKEM took the opportunity to advise Kenyans in foreign countries to follow the rules and regulations of the countries they are in to avoid such complications, as rescuing them from foreign legal systems is complex.
Meanwhile, the government is still making efforts to help Margaret Nduta, who was arrested in Vietnam, escape the death penalty.
