The family of Margaret Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will save her from execution.
Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, while transiting to Laos. Authorities found two kilograms of cocaine hidden in a false compartment in her suitcase.
Despite her insistence that she was unaware of the drugs, the court found her guilty and sentenced her to death on March 6, 2025.
Nduta was set to be executed on Monday evening, but the sentence was not carried out, reportedly due to ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Kenya and Vietnam.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working tirelessly to secure a stay of execution and negotiate a possible repatriation deal that would allow Nduta to serve her sentence in Kenya.
On Monday, Kenya’s ambassadors from Thailand—who oversee diplomatic affairs in Vietnam—traveled to Hanoi in a last-ditch effort to appeal for clemency.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, negotiations are focused on preventing the execution and securing a more lenient sentence.
Family Appeals to President Ruto
Back home in Murang’a, Nduta’s family held prayers on Tuesday, urging President William Ruto to intensify efforts to bring her home.
Her mother, Purity Wangari, expressed relief that the execution had not taken place but pleaded for her daughter's repatriation.
"Thank you so much, Mr. President, because my child was not killed. Bring her to Kenya, and I will be so happy. Many people will be happy," she said.
Speaking at the family home, nominated MP Sabina Chege confirmed that the government is committed to diplomatic engagement with Vietnam to spare Nduta’s life.
"The best part is that Nduta is not going to be hanged now. There's a lot of discussion going on, and very soon, the government will give its position once negotiations are finalized," she stated.
Nduta’s twin sister, Wambui Macharia, defended her, explaining that she had been given a different suitcase by those who arranged her travel.
"She was told her suitcase was small and old, so she had to transfer her clothes into a new one," she said.
Another Kenyan Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking
As Nduta’s fate remains uncertain, another Kenyan woman, aged 55, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for drug trafficking.
A Busia court found her guilty of possessing 3.9 kg of heroin worth Ksh11.8 million when she was arrested at Busia One Border Point in March 2023. She was fined Ksh50 million, an amount she must pay to avoid imprisonment.
The sentencing comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to fight drug trafficking while simultaneously working to secure Nduta’s release or reduced sentence.
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