NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has made a final urgent appeal to Vietnam to halt the execution of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan national sentenced to death for drug trafficking.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei held a telephone conversation on Sunday afternoon with his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Minh Hang, in a bid to save Nduta from execution, which is scheduled for this afternoon unless the appeal is granted.
During the conversation, Dr. Sing’Oei conveyed the anxiety and deep concern of the Kenyan people regarding the looming execution of one of their own.
He urged the Vietnamese government to grant a stay of execution, emphasizing that this would allow both countries to explore a diplomatic path toward resolving the matter.
In response, Deputy Minister Hang assured the Kenyan side that the petition to spare Nduta’s life is under active consideration by Vietnam’s authorities.
“The anxiety of the Kenyan people is real,” PS Sing’Oei said after the call.
“We have asked for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue.”
Breaking News:Kenya asks Vietnam to stay the scheduled execution of Margaret Nduta “to allow our two countries find a path to resolving the issue.”Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei says he has already talked to his counterpart Nguyen Hang, who has assured Kenya’s petition is…
He also confirmed that Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Bangkok, Thailand, is following the case closely and is providing consular support in situ.
Margaret Nduta’s case has sparked national and international attention, not only because of the gravity of the sentence but also due to the circumstances of her arrest.
Nduta, 37, was apprehended in July 2023 at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City while en route to Laos.
Authorities in Vietnam found over two kilograms of cocaine hidden in a modified compartment of her suitcase.
Nduta maintained her innocence, claiming she was unknowingly duped into transporting the drugs.
She alleged that a man in Kenya, identified only as John, offered her $1,300 (about Sh167,000) to deliver the suitcase to a contact in Laos.
Her defense, however, failed to sway the Vietnamese court, which sentenced her to death on March 6, 2025, after determining that her claim of ignorance was an attempt to evade responsibility.
The Vietnamese legal system is known for its zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking, with strict penalties including the death sentence for those found guilty of smuggling significant quantities of narcotics.
Possession or trafficking of more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine, or over 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, typically carries the death penalty.
Had a telephone conversation this afternoon with my counterpart, H.E. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam over the matter of Margaret Nduta. I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and…
The Kenyan government has come under public pressure to intervene. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has written to President William Ruto, urging direct diplomatic engagement with Vietnam to seek clemency or repatriation for Nduta.
He emphasized the need for Kenya to act swiftly, not only to protect Nduta’s life but also to affirm the government’s commitment to defending its citizens abroad.
Similarly, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly called on President Ruto to intervene, terming the matter an urgent national concern.
Thank you Hon. @RichardOnyonka_ for your Petition. Nduta’s case is complex and difficult but we are doing everything within our disposal to secure reprieve for our national.
The case has highlighted the challenges many African nationals face abroad, especially those entangled in drug trafficking networks.
Kenyan authorities have also reiterated their commitment to fighting drug trafficking and discouraging citizens from engaging in such risky ventures.
As the clock ticks down, the fate of Nduta now hinges on Vietnam’s response to Kenya’s appeal.
Whether diplomatic engagement can save her life remains uncertain, but Kenya’s government has signaled its determination to pursue every available avenue in the effort to spare her from execution.
