MP Reveals Ruto’s Efforts to Intervene in Kenyan’s Execution in Vietnam

President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are reaching out to Vietnam in hopes of halting the execution of Kenyan Margaret Macharia Nduta, convicted of drug smuggling. As public pressure mounts for intervention, options such as diplomatic appeals and legal reviews are being considered, yet challenges loom due to stringent laws and limited diplomatic presence.

Gatundu North Member of Parliament, Elijah Njoroge Kururia, has disclosed that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have contacted Vietnamese officials concerning the impending execution of a Kenyan national. Margaret Macharia Nduta faces the death penalty in Vietnam after being convicted of smuggling over two kilograms of illicit drugs, an offense for which she was arrested at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

The situation surrounding Nduta has garnered significant attention in Kenya, prompting citizens to appeal for governmental intervention to prevent her execution. Kururia expressed optimism during a TikTok Live session, announcing that the government had made urgent efforts to save her, stating, “I can confirm that the president and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted Vietnam yesterday and are waiting for feedback.”

Despite these efforts, the Vietnamese authorities have remained resolute. Nduta was sentenced to death by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court on March 6, reflecting the country’s stringent policies against drug trafficking. She reportedly received $1,300 to transport the narcotics, a claim she vehemently contested, asserting her belief that she was carrying legitimate goods.

To possibly rescind the death penalty, the Kenyan government may pursue diplomatic channels, urging the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Kenyan Embassy to seek clemency for Nduta. Alternatively, her legal team could attempt to appeal within Vietnam’s legal framework, although this would likely require new evidence for reconsideration of her sentence.

Additionally, President Ruto could appeal directly to Vietnam’s authorities citing humanitarian reasons. However, the lack of a robust Kenyan diplomatic representation in Vietnam could hinder Nduta’s prospects of averting the death penalty as time is of the essence.

The impending execution of Kenyan national Margaret Macharia Nduta has drawn significant concern in Kenya, prompting government discussions with Vietnamese authorities in a last-ditch effort to secure her clemency. Despite ongoing governmental attempts, including possible diplomatic interventions or legal appeals, her prospects remain uncertain due to Vietnam’s strict drug laws and limited Kenyan diplomatic influence.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke