Elijah Njoroge Kururia announced that President William Ruto has contacted Vietnamese officials regarding the execution of Kenyan Margaret Nduta, sentenced to death for drug smuggling. Despite public demand for intervention, challenges remain due to Vietnam’s strict anti-drug laws and Kenya’s limited diplomatic presence. Various avenues for intervention include diplomatic appeals and legal options, but time is critical as the execution date approaches.
Elijah Njoroge Kururia, the Gatundu North Member of Parliament, disclosed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have contacted Vietnamese officials to intervene in the imminent execution of a Kenyan citizen. The individual in question, Margaret Macharia Nduta, is sentenced to death for smuggling over two kilograms of narcotics, following her apprehension at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Nduta’s situation has garnered significant national attention in Kenya, prompting citizens to demand government intervention to prevent her execution. With her execution date looming on Sunday, March 16, Kururia expressed optimism during a TikTok Live session, stating that the government made a final effort to save her.
“I can confirm that the president and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted Vietnam yesterday and are waiting for feedback,” Kururia mentioned. Despite the efforts, he noted that Vietnamese authorities have remained unwavering. He reassured the public that President Ruto is aware of the situation and that the government is awaiting a response.
On March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court imposed the death penalty on Nduta, reflecting the country’s stringent policies regarding drug offenses. Court records indicate that she was allegedly offered $1,300 (approximately KSh 167,000) to transport the illegal substances—an accusation she denies, asserting she believed she was carrying legitimate goods.
The Kenyan government has several potential avenues for intervention, including a diplomatic plea for clemency from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Kenyan Embassy. Additionally, Nduta’s legal team could appeal her sentence within Vietnam’s judicial framework, although success would require new evidence supporting her innocence. Direct humanitarian appeals to Vietnam’s leadership by President Ruto may also be options, but the lack of a strong Kenyan diplomatic presence in Vietnam could hinder Nduta’s chances of avoiding execution as time grows short.
In summary, the case of Margaret Macharia Nduta has prompted urgent diplomatic efforts from the Kenyan government, with President Ruto and the Foreign Affairs Ministry actively seeking to intervene in her impending execution. Despite the gravity of the situation and public outcry in Kenya, challenges remain, particularly in navigating Vietnam’s rigid legal framework and the limited diplomatic representation available. Ultimately, the next steps taken by the government will be crucial in determining Nduta’s fate.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
