"Kenyan Man on Death Row in Saudi Arabia Released After Decade-Long Battle!"
🇰🇪 A MIRACULOUS TURN OF EVENTS! 🇸🇦
In a heartwarming twist of fate, Stephen Abdukareem Munyakho, a Kenyan man who spent over a decade on death row in Saudi Arabia, has been released following a relentless campaign to save him from execution. The news was confirmed by a Kenyan foreign affairs ministry official, Korir Sing'oei, who announced the release under a "judicial decree" on social media platform X.
💔 A MOTHER'S DESPAIR:
Munyakho's mother, veteran journalist Dorothy Kweyu, expressed her overwhelming joy, stating she "rolled on the floor" upon hearing the news of her son's release. "This satisfaction is going to be with me for a while," she told local media, her voice filled with emotion. "This time, it is true. The ambassador [in Saudi Arabia] has confirmed it."
🔪 A TRAGIC INCIDENT:
Munyakho was working in Saudi Arabia when he was convicted of murdering a Yemeni colleague in 2011. The crime, which carries the death penalty, stemmed from a violent altercation. According to Kweyu, her son was stabbed with a letter opener during a dispute, prompting him to retaliate, resulting in the colleague's death.
Initially sentenced to five years for manslaughter, Munyakho's fate took a dire turn in 2014 when an appeal led to a murder conviction, bringing the death sentence into play.
💰 A GLIMMER OF HOPE:
After years of protracted negotiations, the victim's family agreed to accept blood money, known as dihya, as compensation. Reports indicate that the family received $1 million (£742,000) earlier this year, facilitated by the Kenyan government and the Muslim World League charity.
Munyakho's execution was postponed multiple times, thanks to the tireless efforts of Kenyan officials and his mother's unwavering campaign for justice.
🕋 A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
Following his release, Sing'oei revealed that Munyakho had performed the minor Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca, marking a significant spiritual milestone in his life. However, it remains unclear when he will return home to Kenya.
🌟 A FAMILY REUNITED:
This incredible story of resilience and hope serves as a reminder of the power of love and determination. As Munyakho embarks on a new chapter of his life, his family and supporters celebrate a hard-fought victory against the odds.