On March 19, 2025, the family of Margaret Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, received a temporary reprieve as her scheduled execution was delayed. This development has brought a mix of relief and continued anxiety to her family and supporters.
Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City Airport while transiting to Laos. Authorities discovered two kilograms of cocaine concealed in a false compartment of her suitcase.
Despite her claims of being unaware of the drugs, she was convicted on March 6, 2025, and sentenced to death.
Her mother, Purity Wangari, expressed profound gratitude to President William Ruto and the Kenyan government for their intervention.
“Thank you so much, Mr. President, because my child was not killed,” Wangari said tearfully. She added, “Bring her to Kenya; I will be so happy, and many people will be happy.”
Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege, who has been actively involved in the case, visited Nduta’s family in Murang’a County.
She highlighted the government’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, “There is a lot of diplomacy and communication going on, but the best bit of it is that Nduta is not going to be hanged now.”
The community has rallied around the family, holding prayer sessions and expressing hope for Nduta’s safe return. Local leaders and residents have called upon the government to intensify negotiations for her repatriation.
By Nairobi