Kenyan Government Intervenes to Save Nduta from Execution in Vietnam

The Kenyan government is making last-minute efforts to save Margaret Nduta Macharia, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking.

Nduta, 37, was convicted on March 6, 2025, for smuggling two kilograms of cocaine while on route to Laos in July 2023.

With her appeal window having closed on March 12, Nduta's execution now seems imminent. However, the Kenyan government is working tirelessly to seek clemency and prevent her execution.

Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia confirmed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already reached out to Vietnamese authorities and are awaiting feedback.

"The government is doing everything within its power to save Nduta's life. We are hopeful for a positive response," said Kururia.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei acknowledged the complexity of the case but assured Kenyans that diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has also urged President Ruto to intensify diplomatic efforts, including seeking clemency or a possible prisoner transfer.

However, Kenya’s lack of a diplomatic mission in Vietnam and the absence of a prisoner transfer agreement between the two nations pose significant challenges.

As pressure mounts from human rights activists and Kenyans on social media through the #SaveMargaretNduta campaign, hopes remain that the Vietnamese government will reconsider the sentence.

For now, Nduta’s fate lies in the hands of diplomatic negotiations and international intervention.