Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia confirmed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have reached out to the Vietnamese government in an attempt to halt the execution.
However, with time running out, Vietnam remains firm on enforcing its strict zero-tolerance drug laws.
Nduta’s Arrest and Conviction
Nduta was arrested at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam’s busiest international travel hubs.
According to court records, she was paid $1,300 (approximately KSh 167,000) to transport a suitcase containing over two kilograms of narcotics.
Her journey took an unexpected turn in 2023 when her flight was delayed. Airport personnel advised her to complete immigration procedures to facilitate a flight rebooking to Laos.
During routine security checks, customs officials discovered the illicit substances concealed in her luggage.
When presented before the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court, Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs and believed she was transporting legal items.
However, prosecutors dismissed her defense, arguing that her claim was an attempt to evade responsibility.
They stated that under Vietnamese law, anyone caught with such a significant quantity of drugs faces the death penalty.
On March 6, 2024, Nduta was officially sentenced to death, sparking widespread outcry from Kenyans and human rights activists who have urged the government to intervene.
Ruto’s Government Steps In
As pressure mounted, MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia took to a TikTok Live session to confirm that President Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had contacted Vietnamese authorities, seeking clemency or extradition.
“The President and the Foreign Affairs Ministry reached out to Vietnam yesterday and are awaiting a response. Many Kenyans have been asking if Ruto is aware—yes, he is. The government is waiting, but time is running out,” said Kururia.
Meanwhile, Kenyans continue to demand a formal statement from President Ruto, hoping for a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough that could save Nduta from execution.
Babu Owino Calls for Direct Negotiations
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has taken a firmer stance, urging President Ruto to directly engage the Vietnamese government. According to Owino, Kenya must not abandon its citizens, especially when they are victims of circumstance.
“Margaret Nduta is innocent. She was unknowingly used as a drug mule. She does not deserve the death penalty,” Owino stated.
His calls reflect growing concern among Kenyans, with many arguing that Nduta should be allowed to serve her sentence in Kenya rather than face execution abroad.
Comparisons to Stephen Munyakho’s Case in Saudi Arabia
Nduta’s case mirrors that of Stephen Munyakho (alias Stevo), a Kenyan man sentenced to death by beheading in Saudi Arabia. Munyakho had been convicted of killing a colleague in a 2011 fight. However, unlike Vietnam, Saudi authorities agreed to postpone his execution by a year after diplomatic negotiations.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, the Kenyan government secured the delay to allow Munyakho’s family time to raise KSh 150 million in blood money (Diyah) to negotiate his pardon. So far, the family has raised KSh 11 million through a public appeal.
“I am pleased to inform you that after strenuous negotiations between our Mission in Riyadh, Saudi Authorities, and the Widow, the impending execution of judgment against Stephen Munyakho has been postponed for another year to allow parties to settle outstanding obligations,” PS Sing’oei stated.
Unlike Saudi Arabia, Vietnam has shown no willingness to delay or commute Nduta’s sentence. As the execution date looms, Kenyan officials are in a race against time to negotiate a possible intervention.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!