Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry describes Margaret Nduta Macharia’s case in Vietnam as complex, facing execution for drug trafficking. Family and MPs urge diplomatic intervention for repatriation or clemency. Principal Secretary Sing’oei is negotiating with Vietnam, but challenges remain due to lack of direct ties.
The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed that the case of Margaret Nduta Macharia, who faces execution in Vietnam for drug trafficking, is “complex and difficult.” Her family and Kenyan legislators have called for diplomatic intervention ahead of her scheduled execution. Macharia was sentenced to death after smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine, with her family requesting repatriation, even for a local sentence.
Senator Richard Onyonka has urged President Ruto and Foreign Affairs officials to negotiate with Vietnam. He has requested clemency on humanitarian grounds, seeking to have her death sentence converted to life imprisonment or another lesser penalty. The situation is dire as Macharia’s execution is set for Monday night.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, acknowledged the challenges in Nduta’s case, confirming that efforts are being made for her reprieve. He has communicated with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, requesting a stay of execution, highlighting the concerns of the Kenyan public.
Currently, Kenya’s embassy in Thailand represents its interests in Vietnam, as there is no direct diplomatic presence there. Although relations between Kenya and Vietnam appear stable, they lack specific bilateral agreements. The most recent diplomatic interactions occurred in 2020.
Margaret Nduta Macharia is set to have her final meal at 7:30 p.m. local time Monday, with execution scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Vietnam enforces strict penalties for drug-related offenses, imposing the death penalty for possession or trafficking of significant quantities of illegal drugs.
In summary, the case of Margaret Nduta Macharia remains critical as her execution date approaches. The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry is working with Vietnamese officials, seeking clemency and potential alternatives to her death sentence. While efforts are underway, the complexities of international diplomacy and strict Vietnamese laws present significant challenges in resolving this case.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
