A Mother’s Desperate Battle for Her Son’s Liberty

In a desperate situation, a Kenyan mother, Dorothy, is tirelessly fighting to liberate her son, Stephen, who is currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. He has been paroling behind bars for 13 years since 2011, having been sentenced to deaf for participating in a murder incident.

Execution or Blood Money

The predicament faced by Stephen is chilling. As per Islamic law, either he is sentenced to execution by the sword or he must pay ‘diya’, a term commonly referred to as blood money. The payment must be made as soon as the son of the victim grows to an age where he can decide upon the execution.

What adds to the complexity is the amount demanded by the victim’s family – a whopping 10 million SAR which is equivalent to a staggering Ksh.150 million for Stephen’s release. This substantial sum has posed a significant challenge to Dorothy and her family, but has not deterred them from their struggle.

Rallying Support and Solidarity

Despite the daunting sum required, Dorothy has tirelessly rallied the support she can get. From her local community to government officials and even the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, everyone has contributed to the cause. This support has led to the raising of a portion of the desired amount. However, with the deadline of May 15 fast approaching, the pressure is mounting on Dorothy.

A Plea for Assistance

With time running out and her son’s life on the line, Dorothy is making a heartfelt appeal for further financial help. Her story underscores the unity and cooperation shown by both local and diaspora communities in contributing to the cause. However, it is increasingly clear that more help is needed to reach the intended amount netting her son’s release from incarceration.

The Struggle Continues

While Dorothy has garnered support and some funds, there remains a significant amount yet to be raised. Her struggle highlights the dire situation for foreign nationals in foreign prisons, and the urgent need for concerted intervention. Her story, a powerful message of a mother’s love, devotion, and tenacity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, serves to remind us of the power of solidarity and the importance of extending our help, no matter how small it may be.