Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia disclosed that President Ruto has contacted Vietnamese authorities regarding Margaret Macharia Nduta, a Kenyan facing execution for drug smuggling. Nduta’s case has gained national attention in Kenya, prompting calls for government intervention. The execution is scheduled for March 16, and diplomatic or legal options may be explored to avoid this outcome.
Gatundu North Member of Parliament Elijah Njoroge Kururia has disclosed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have engaged with Vietnamese officials concerning the impending execution of Margaret Macharia Nduta, a Kenyan convicted of drug smuggling. She faces the death penalty after her arrest at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport for carrying over two kilograms of drugs.
Nduta’s case has attracted significant public interest within Kenya, prompting citizens to call for governmental intervention to prevent her execution, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 16. Kururia expressed optimism during a TikTok Live session, stating that the government had made a last-minute effort to save her. “I can confirm that the president and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted Vietnam yesterday and are waiting for feedback,” he announced.
Despite the government’s efforts, Vietnamese authorities are reportedly steadfast in their position. On March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court sentenced Nduta to death, underscoring Vietnam’s strict policies on drug offenses. Nduta has denied the allegations of being paid $1,300 to transport the drugs, asserting that she believed she was carrying legitimate goods.
One potential avenue for intervention may include diplomatic outreach from the Kenyan government, through which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan Embassy could formally request clemency or a reduced sentence. Alternatively, Nduta’s legal team could attempt to file an appeal within Vietnam’s judicial system, although this would be difficult without new evidence supporting her claims.
President Ruto could also appeal to Vietnam’s leadership on humanitarian grounds; however, Kenya’s limited diplomatic representation in Vietnam may present obstacles, particularly as urgency surrounds Nduta’s case.
In conclusion, the Kenyan government is making concerted efforts to intervene in the execution case of Margaret Macharia Nduta, who is facing the death penalty in Vietnam for drug smuggling. Despite these efforts, the situation remains precarious, with Vietnamese authorities remaining resolute in their initial ruling. As the execution date approaches, the effectiveness of both diplomatic and legal strategies employed by the Kenyan government remains to be seen.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
