Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia has disclosed President Ruto’s efforts to prevent the execution of Kenyan citizen Margaret Macharia Nduta in Vietnam, who was convicted of drug smuggling. With her execution set for March 16, the Kenyan government is exploring diplomatic avenues and possible legal appeals to intervene on her behalf.
Elijah Njoroge Kururia, the Member of Parliament for Gatundu North, has revealed the efforts made by President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prevent the execution of a Kenyan national in Vietnam. Margaret Macharia Nduta is facing the death penalty due to her conviction for smuggling over two kilograms of drugs after her arrest at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
As Nduta’s execution date approaches on March 16, there is a growing call among Kenyans for government intervention. During a TikTok Live session, Kururia expressed optimism, stating that the government contacted Vietnamese officials the previous day and is awaiting a response. He confirmed that the President is aware of the situation and is committed to seeking assistance.
On March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court sentenced Nduta to death, underlining the country’s strict policies against drug offenses. In court, Nduta contested the allegation that she was paid $1,300 to transport the drugs, maintaining she believed she was carrying legitimate items.
To potentially save Nduta, the Kenyan government might pursue diplomatic intervention, involving communication from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Kenyan Embassy requesting clemency. Alternatively, her legal team could file an appeal in Vietnam’s judiciary, although this may be challenging without new supporting evidence. President Ruto could also appeal to Vietnamese leadership on humanitarian grounds; however, Kenya’s limited diplomatic influence in Vietnam might hinder efforts to avert the death penalty with time of the essence.
In summary, as Margaret Macharia Nduta faces imminent execution in Vietnam, the Kenyan government has taken steps to intervene diplomatically. Despite these efforts, the challenges are significant, including the need for new evidence for a successful appeal and the limited diplomatic presence in the region. The situation remains critical as time is of the essence in seeking to save her from execution.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
