Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia has reported that President William Ruto is negotiating with Vietnam to halt the execution of Kenyan national Margaret Macharia Nduta, convicted of drug smuggling. The execution is set for March 16, and the Kenyan government is pursuing both diplomatic and legal avenues to save her.
Recently, Gatundu North Member of Parliament Elijah Njoroge Kururia disclosed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made contact with Vietnamese officials regarding the execution of a Kenyan citizen. Margaret Macharia Nduta, who has been sentenced to death in Vietnam due to her conviction for drug trafficking, is at the center of this diplomatic engagement.
Nduta faces capital punishment after being apprehended at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City with more than two kilograms of illicit drugs. Her case has attracted considerable public attention in Kenya, with citizens advocating for governmental measures to prevent her execution. As her scheduled execution date of March 16 approaches, Kururia expressed optimism during a TikTok Live session, indicating that the government is exerting efforts to save her.
During the live session, Kururia stated, “I can confirm that the president and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted Vietnam yesterday and are waiting for feedback.” He further emphasized that the Vietnamese authorities have been unyielding, assuring the public of the government’s awareness and ongoing attempts to secure a favorable response.
On March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court imposed the death penalty on Nduta, reflecting Vietnam’s stringent laws against drug offenses. Court documents allege that Nduta received $1,300 to facilitate the transportation of illegal substances, a claim she ardently disputes, asserting that she believed she was carrying lawful products.
To potentially alter Nduta’s fate, the Kenyan government might pursue diplomatic efforts through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan Embassy, appealing for clemency or a reduced sentence. Alternatively, her legal representatives could attempt to file an appeal within Vietnam’s legal framework; however, this approach may be hindered without new evidence supporting her claims.
Additionally, President Ruto may appeal for clemency on humanitarian grounds directly to Vietnam’s leaders. Nevertheless, the Kenyan government’s limited diplomatic influence in Vietnam could complicate Nduta’s chances, particularly as the execution date looms.
In summary, the Kenyan government, under President William Ruto, is actively seeking a diplomatic resolution to prevent the execution of Margaret Macharia Nduta in Vietnam. This case highlights the complexities surrounding international law and diplomatic intervention, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as time runs short. The outcome remains uncertain, hinging on potential appeals and diplomatic negotiations with Vietnamese authorities.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
