DOROTHY Kweyu’s ordinary day took a devastating turn with a single phone call informing her that her son, Stephen Munyakho, had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia following a tragic incident. Thus began a harrowing journey for justice and mercy that has captivated hearts across continents.
Stephen’s path through the Saudi legal system has been fraught with challenges. After a trial resulting in a death sentence by sword, an ancient yet still-practiced form of capital punishment, Dorothy encountered the concept of ‘diya’ or blood money under Islamic law. While it offered a glimmer of hope, the staggering demand of 10 million SAR (more than $1 million) from the victim’s family seemed insurmountable for the Kweyu family. With a looming deadline of May 15, the race against time intensified.
Despite the daunting odds, Dorothy’s plea for help resonated deeply. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened, and a groundswell of support emerged from both local and international communities. Fundraisers and donation appeals yielded some relief, with $13,860 raised so far. Yet, the target remains distant. Dorothy’s call to action, proposing that if one million Kenyans contributed just KSh150 ($1.04) each, Stephen could be saved, underscores the strength of community in times of crisis.
As the deadline approaches, tension mounts. Dorothy’s fight extends beyond fundraising; it’s a battle against time, legal intricacies, and international diplomacy. The outcome could have profound implications not only for Stephen and his family but also for other Kenyan expatriates facing foreign legal systems. Stephen Munyakho’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of expatriates and the lengths families will go to protect their loved ones.
With each passing day, Dorothy’s determination grows, buoyed by a community refusing to let distance diminish their capacity for compassion. This story, while unique in its details, underscores the universal truth about the strength of familial bonds and the power of collective action. As the deadline looms, the world watches and hopes for a resolution that will reunite Stephen with his waiting family.
‘The task that lies ahead is daunting, but having [Stephen] alive is a miracle and we continue to ask for any support that can secure his release and restoration to his motherland,’ Dorothy, a freelance writer and journalist, wrote in an article for the Kenyan Nation newspaper.