Steven Munyakho: Committee yet to receive communication on blood money settlement

The committee behind the “Save Stevo Campaign,” advocating for the release of Steven Bertrand Munyakho, a Kenyan facing execution in Saudi Arabia, has stated that it has not yet received official confirmation regarding the payment of his blood money.

This follows announcements by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar, who revealed that the remaining $1 million (Sh129.5 million) needed for Munyakho’s release had been paid by the Muslim World League.

Omar made the statement during an Iftar dinner at State House on Tuesday, confirming that both the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Kenya and Kenya's ambassador in Saudi Arabia had verified that the funds had been transferred.

"The $1 million has been paid, and the Kenyan will return home safe," Omar declared.

In response to these reports, the “Save Stevo Campaign” acknowledged media coverage indicating that a benefactor had indeed paid the remaining 2.9 million Saudi riyals required to secure Munyakho’s release.

However, the committee clarified that they were still waiting for official communication from the relevant authorities.

“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,” the committee said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Munyakho was convicted of manslaughter in 2013 following the death of Yemeni national Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh in 2011.

Saleh died from stab wounds after an altercation, and Munyakho was initially sentenced to five years in prison.

However, the victim's family successfully appealed, resulting in an enhanced sentence of execution, with the option of paying 3.5 million Saudi riyals in blood money.

Having spent the last 13 years in various Saudi prisons, Munyakho’s supporters now await official confirmation of his release.

Under Saudi law, families of victims can negotiate “diya,” or blood money, as compensation for unintended harm or death.

The committee urges caution, stating they will provide updates once they receive confirmation from official sources.