The fate of Margaret Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, hangs in the balance as diplomatic negotiations continue.
Her family in Murang’a remains hopeful that government intervention will secure her release or at least a reduced sentence, as Kenyan officials intensify efforts to save her from execution.
Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, while transiting to Laos. Authorities discovered two kilograms of cocaine hidden in a false compartment of her suitcase. Despite her pleas of innocence, insisting she was unaware of the drugs, the Vietnamese court found her guilty and sentenced her to death on March 6, 2025.
A Race Against Time
Nduta’s execution was scheduled for Monday evening, but it was not carried out, reportedly due to ongoing diplomatic discussions between Kenya and Vietnam. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working tirelessly to prevent the execution, seeking a possible repatriation deal that would allow Nduta to serve a prison term in Kenya instead.
Kenya’s diplomatic representatives in Thailand—who also handle relations with Vietnam—traveled to Hanoi on Monday for urgent talks. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that negotiations were centered on securing clemency and an alternative punishment.
Family’s Emotional Plea
Back home, Nduta’s family held prayers on Tuesday, appealing to President William Ruto to intervene and bring her back to Kenya. Her mother, Purity Wangari, expressed relief that her daughter had not been executed but urged authorities to redouble their efforts in securing her repatriation.
“Thank you so much, Mr. President, because my child was not killed. Please bring her home, and I will be so happy. Many people will be happy,” she pleaded.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege, who visited the family, assured them that the Kenyan government remained committed to diplomatic engagement. “The best part is that Nduta is not going to be hanged now. There’s a lot of discussion going on, and very soon, the government will give its position once negotiations are finalized,” she stated.
Claims of Innocence
Nduta’s twin sister, Wambui Macharia, defended her, revealing that she had been given a different suitcase by those who arranged her travel. “She was told her suitcase was small and old, so she had to transfer her clothes into a new one,” Wambui explained, suggesting that she may have been set up.
Another Kenyan Woman Jailed for Drug Trafficking
Even as Nduta’s case unfolds, another Kenyan woman, aged 55, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for drug trafficking. A Busia court found her guilty of possessing 3.9 kilograms of heroin worth Ksh11.8 million when she was arrested at Busia One Border Point in March 2023. She was fined Ksh50 million, an amount she must pay to avoid serving the lengthy jail term.
Kenya continues its battle against drug trafficking, even as it fights to save its citizens who face harsh penalties abroad. As diplomatic talks progress, Nduta’s family remains hopeful that the government’s intervention will spare her life and bring her back home.
