Stephen Bertrand Munyakho, a Kenya citizen facing execution in Saudi Arabi over allegations of manslaughter
In a renewed call for public support, the Bring Back Stevo Campaign Committee has issued an urgent appeal to save Kenyan citizen Stephen Bertrand Munyakho, who faces execution in Saudi Arabia unless his family raises a compensation amount of Ksh150 million (approximately US$940,000). The committee, formed earlier this year, held its third media briefing today, providing an update on the campaign’s efforts and outlining the current situation.
Stephen Munyakho, affectionately known as Stevo, left Kenya in 1996 to seek employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. He managed to secure a job as a warehouse manager at a tourist resort on the Red Sea. However, in 2011, a tragic incident changed the course of his life. During a physical altercation at work, Stevo’s colleague, Mr. Abdul Halim Mujahid Makrad Saleh, a Yemeni citizen, died. Stephen sustained injuries in the altercation and was subsequently charged with manslaughter.
Initially, Stevo was sentenced to five years in prison. However, following an appeal by the aggrieved family, a Sharia court escalated the judgment to a death sentence. Now, after spending 13 years in Shimeisi Prison in the Makkah region, his fate hangs in the balance.
In a significant development on October 23, 2024, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that the reconciliatory committee in Saudi Arabia had agreed to extend the grace period by one year. This extension offers Stevo’s family more time to gather the required compensation amount, delaying the scheduled execution set for November 22, 2024.
“This decision has spared Stephen from imminent execution and saved the family from immense emotional agony,” said a spokesperson for the committee. The Bring Back Stevo Campaign expressed deep gratitude to the family of the late Abdul Halim, particularly the widow, Nadia, for their willingness to grant more time for the fundraising effort.
The committee also praised the Kenyan government’s intervention, singling out Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Secretary Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, for their relentless efforts in negotiating on behalf of Stevo and securing this crucial extension.
Despite the positive news of the extension, the reconciliatory committee emphasized that this would be the final grace period. If the full amount of Ksh150 million is not raised within this timeframe, the family of Abdul Halim will exercise their “right to retribution,” leading to Stevo’s execution.
“This is our last chance to save Stephen’s life,” the committee spokesperson stated. “Ksh150 million is a staggering amount, far beyond the reach of Ms. Musopole and her family, who live modestly. However, no sum of money can truly equate to a human life. With the support of generous well-wishers, we believe we can meet this target.”
Since launching a public appeal in May 2024, the Bring Back Stevo Campaign has managed to raise Ksh20 million. While the committee expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received so far, they acknowledged that there is still a significant gap to fill.
“We are making a renewed plea to Kenyans and people of goodwill everywhere,” the committee said. “If just 100,000 people contribute Ksh1,000 each, we would be able to raise Ksh100 million, bringing us much closer to our goal.”
The committee is also calling on social media influencers and public figures with large followings to amplify the campaign’s message. “Your voices can make a difference,” the spokesperson urged. “By sharing this cause widely, you could help us resolve this issue swiftly and save a life.”
The committee remains hopeful that with the combined efforts of well-wishers, influencers, and supporters, they can raise the required amount in time to spare Stevo’s life.
Ms. Dorothy Kweyu Musopole, Stevo’s mother and a respected veteran journalist, attended the briefing. Fighting back tears, she expressed her profound gratitude to everyone who has contributed so far and urged more people to join the cause.
“No mother should have to face the agony of losing a child, especially in such a manner,” she said. “I am appealing to everyone with a heart to help us bring my son back home safely.”
The Bring Back Stevo Campaign continues to rally for support, standing united in their determination to save a life that hangs precariously in the balance. As the final deadline looms, the fate of Stephen Munyakho rests on the generosity and compassion of the public.
Contributions to the Bring Back Stevo Campaign can be made through the following channels:
Paybill Number: 8056675 (Account: Your Name)
MPESA: Send donations to
+254 702 878717 (Dorothy Musopole)