Lack of Funds Hinders Efforts to Secure Release of Kenyan Man Jailed in Saudi Arabia- Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lacks the necessary funds to secure the release of Stephen Munyakho, currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.
Mudavadi emphasized that the ministry will persist in engaging with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic means.
He noted that the ministry has not been allocated a budget for such situations.
However, Mudavadi suggested that Kenyans could unite and contribute resources to aid in Munyakho’s release.
Additionally, he mentioned personally contacting his Saudi Arabian counterpart in an attempt to halt the execution.
Mudavadi highlighted the limited options, stating, “We can focus on the diplomatic interventions but as MPs know there is no fund that we can draw from under such circumstances. Unless Parliament was to create a fund of that nature, it means that we shall have to continue trying to intervene using the diplomatic channels so that we can save this gentleman.”
“We will endeavor in various capacities to advocate for public support and resource allocation, facilitating ongoing discussions based on these efforts.”
According to the CS, foreign relations should be approached from a security standpoint.
“In our budget allocation for Public Administration and International Relations, a critical aspect is the promotion and maintenance of peace and security,” he emphasized.
Mudavadi highlighted the significant security threat posed by the underfunded Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These remarks follow recent developments in Saudi Arabia, where the scheduled execution of Munyakho was postponed until May 15, 2024.
Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, assured that the government would take necessary actions to repatriate Stephen Munyakho.
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Munyakho’s altercation with his colleague, Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, resulted in Saleh being stabbed with a letter opener. Saleh later died from his injuries at the hospital.
He sustained injuries, though not fatal.
Subsequently, a trial commenced and Stevo received a conviction for manslaughter, resulting in a five-year prison sentence.
Despite this, Saleh’s family pursued an appeal in a Shariah court, leading to a dire twist of events as Munyakho was condemned to death.
Consequently, in addition to facing his impending demise, the Kenyan, who is a father of two sons and a daughter, would confront death by beheading.
Alternatively, Islamic law permits the payment of “diya” or “blood money” as restitution to the victim or their heirs in instances of accidental murder, injury, or property damage.
This legal provision was invoked in Munyakho’s case, where manslaughter – the unintended taking of a life – prompted Saleh’s family to agree to a sum of 10 million Saudi Arabia Riyals (SAR).
Negotiations successfully led to a reduction, bringing the amount down to 3.5 million Saudi Riyals, equivalent to around Sh150 million.
The full payment of this sum is necessary for Munyakho’s release and the removal of the looming threat.
Munyakho’s relatives have been endeavoring to gather the necessary funds to secure his freedom.
Lack of Funds Hinders Efforts to Secure Release of Kenyan Man Jailed in Saudi Arabia- Mudavadi