Sally Njoroge vividly remembers the last time she was with her close friend, Margaret Nduta. That memory feels so recent, as if it happened just yesterday.
“She was lively, excited, and hopeful,” Sally shared during an exclusive interview with TNX Africa. She added, “She really thought this trip would change her life and her family’s life. I even straightened her hair before she left, as you can see in the pictures.”
This was the last moment Sally had with Nduta before she set off for what was meant to be a great opportunity abroad, but instead, she was arrested in Vietnam for drug trafficking.
“I found out about her arrest through social media,” she explained. “She never mentioned anything about drugs, a suitcase, or meeting anyone on her journey. To me, she was just a good person trying to build a better life.”
Their friendship lasted over 15 years, starting back in Ruai. They formed a strong bond, and later discovered they were from the same village, Weithaga in Kiharu, Murang’a County, which made their connection even stronger.
Nduta had never really shown interest in traveling abroad before. This was her first time flying, as she wanted to break free from a cycle of odd jobs and unemployment. What makes this situation even more tragic is the pain of her identical twin, Rosemary Wambui.
“They were always together. They lived in the same place, and this is the first time they have been apart,” Sally explained.
“Since the news broke, Wambui has been doing everything she can to help her sister. She has been going to different offices, looking for any way to help her.”
The whole situation has left their family in shock. Their father had passed away before Nduta left, placing the responsibility on their mother and siblings.
Nduta was never one to show off or seek the spotlight. She had never been involved with drugs or any illegal activities.
“She was calm and caring,” Sally states. “She enjoyed eating mutura, listening to Mugithi music, and was a devoted Christian at ACK Ruai.”
Sally quickly brushes off the rumors and negativity circulating online. “Most of these people don’t even know her. The things being said about her are not right. No one understands what she’s going through. We just hope she returns home.”
Nduta’s troubles began when authorities found over two kilograms of cocaine in her possession at Ho Chi Minh City airport in Vietnam while she was traveling to Laos in July 2023. The result? A death sentence. However, the Kenyan government has intervened, with PS Korir Sing’oei promising the public that they are working to stop the execution.
The Vietnamese authorities are currently reviewing Kenya’s request, and the Kenyan Mission in Bangkok is keeping a close watch on the situation. As Nduta’s future remains uncertain, her family and friends can only hold onto hope and wait.
By Kenyans