Kururia: Ruto Intervenes to Stop Execution of Kenyan in Vietnam

Urgent Diplomatic Push to Save Kenyan Woman from Execution in Vietnam

The case of Margaret Macharia Nduta, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, has triggered urgent diplomatic efforts as her execution date approaches.

Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia confirmed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have reached out to the Vietnamese government, seeking to halt the execution. However, with time running out, Vietnam remains steadfast in enforcing its strict anti-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 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 a flight delay led airport personnel to advise her to complete immigration procedures for a rebooking to Laos. During routine security checks, customs officials discovered the illicit substances hidden in her luggage.

Appearing before the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court, Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs, believing she was carrying legal items. However, prosecutors dismissed her defense as an attempt to evade responsibility, emphasizing that Vietnamese law mandates the death penalty for possession of such large quantities of drugs.

On March 6, 2024, she was sentenced to death, sparking widespread outcry from Kenyans and human rights activists urging government intervention.

Ruto’s Administration Steps In

As pressure mounted, MP Kururia addressed Kenyans via a TikTok Live session, confirming that President Ruto and the Foreign Affairs Ministry had contacted Vietnamese authorities, seeking clemency or extradition.

“The President and the 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 spare Nduta’s life.

Calls for Direct Negotiations

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged President Ruto to personally engage the Vietnamese government, emphasizing that Kenya must not abandon its citizens, especially those caught in unfortunate circumstances.

“Margaret Nduta is innocent. She was unknowingly used as a drug mule. She does not deserve the death penalty,” Owino stated.

His remarks reflect growing public concern, with many advocating for Nduta to serve her sentence in Kenya rather than face execution abroad.

A Case Similar to Stephen Munyakho’s in Saudi Arabia

Nduta’s situation bears similarities to that of Stephen Munyakho (alias Stevo), a Kenyan man sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for killing a colleague during a 2011 altercation. Unlike Vietnam, Saudi authorities agreed to postpone his execution for a year following 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) for a possible pardon. So far, KSh 11 million has been raised through public contributions.

“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 signs of leniency in Nduta’s case. With her execution looming, Kenyan officials are racing against time to secure a possible intervention.