Munyakho Recounts Fatal Altercation That Led to 14 Years on Death Row in Saudi

Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national, has shared a harrowing account of the events that led to his more than 14-year incarceration on death row in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Citizen TV’s Ayub Abdikadir on JK Live, Munyakho detailed the moments leading up to a fatal confrontation with a Yemeni national, Abdul Halim, at their workplace.

The Spark: A Salary Dispute

The conflict began over a salary-related dispute. Munyakho explained that he intended to collect his salary, but Abdul Halim was not willing to let him go.

This initial refusal caused Munyakho to become angry. The situation escalated when Abdul Halim allegedly used words that were not very good, which Munyakho stated he could not take. This verbal exchange marked the onset of the physical altercation.

“It was a salary-related dispute. I was supposed to go and collect my salary, but he was not willing to let me go, you know, and I ended up getting angry. Then, he used words that were not very good, and I couldn't take them. So, we started a fight,” Munyakho recounted.

Escalation to Violence

Munyakho revealed that the Yemen National was the one who started it physically. During the altercation, Munyakho sustained two stab wounds: one on his hand and another on his thigh.

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He described losing a significant amount of blood, requiring two pints of glucose during the seven-minute journey from their accommodation to the hospital.

Doctors informed him that a slight delay in receiving medical attention could have been fatal.              

The knife used in the incident belonged to Abdul Halim and was present in the office. A security officer reportedly testified to having seen Abdul Halim with the knife multiple times, although Abdul Halim claimed to use it for opening curtains related to the stationery.

Munyakho stated that after Abdul Halim used the knife on him, he then used the same knife on Abdul Halim. Abdul Halim sustained one stab wound to his chest. The entire incident unfolded in their shared office at their workplace.

“He's the one who started the fight because I have a stab on my hand and my thigh,” Munyakho revealed.

Reflections on the Unthinkable

Munyakho expressed remorse, acknowledging that he lacked that patience at that time. He also stated that he could not believe it when he was informed of Abdul Halim's passing.

“But I feel you like I lacked that patience at that time, and it's something when they told me that Halim had passed on, I could not believe it because I was like, how me? No,” he said.

Over a Decade on Death Row

Stephen Munyakho was subsequently convicted of murder in Saudi Arabia for the death of Abdul Halim and sentenced to death. For over 14 years, he faced execution, a situation that drew significant attention and appeals from his family and the Kenyan government.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including interventions by Kenyan authorities, sought to secure his release, particularly through a "blood money" payment to Abdul Halim's family, a common practice in certain Islamic legal systems that can allow for clemency.