Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia reported that President Ruto is engaging with Vietnam to stop the impending execution of Kenyan citizen Margaret Macharia Nduta, convicted for drug smuggling. Nduta’s case has sparked nationwide calls for intervention as her execution date approaches. Diplomatic measures and possible legal appeals are being considered to save her life.
Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia has disclosed that President William Ruto, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is in discussions with Vietnamese authorities about the impending execution of Kenyan citizen Margaret Macharia Nduta. She was convicted for smuggling over two kilograms of drugs and faces the death penalty. Her arrest occurred at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, one of Vietnam’s largest transport hubs.
Nduta’s case has attracted significant attention in Kenya, prompting widespread calls for government intervention to prevent her execution, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 16. Kururia expressed optimism during a TikTok Live session, stating, “I can confirm that the president and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted Vietnam yesterday and are waiting for feedback.”
Despite the efforts to intervene, Kururia noted that the Vietnamese authorities remain firm on their stance. He reassured those concerned by saying, “The government is awaiting a response” from Vietnam regarding Nduta’s situation.
On March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court sentenced Nduta to death, reflecting Vietnam’s strict approach to drug offenses. She was allegedly offered $1,300 to transport the contraband, a claim she denies, insisting she believed she was carrying lawful goods.
To potentially avert her execution, the Kenyan government could pursue a diplomatic approach, engaging with Vietnam for clemency or a reduced sentence. Alternatively, Nduta’s legal team might consider filing an appeal in Vietnam to challenge the death sentence, although this option is limited due to the need for new evidence to support her case.
Furthermore, President Ruto may petition directly to Vietnam’s authorities on humanitarian grounds. However, Kenya’s limited diplomatic presence in Vietnam could hinder Nduta’s chances of escaping the death penalty, particularly as her execution date approaches.
In summary, the Kenyan government is actively appealing to Vietnam on behalf of Margaret Macharia Nduta, who faces execution for drug smuggling. Despite efforts from President Ruto and his ministry, Vietnam remains firm. Diplomatic interventions and legal appeals are potential avenues for Nduta’s defense, but the urgency and Kenya’s diplomatic limitations complicate her situation significantly.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
