Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has made an urgent appeal to President William Ruto, seeking diplomatic intervention to save Margaret Nduta Macharia, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam.
In a letter dated March 14, Onyonka called on Ruto to engage the Vietnamese government and international human rights organizations to secure clemency and repatriation for Nduta. The 37-year-old was sentenced to death for trafficking over 2 kg of drugs through Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Her execution was scheduled for Sunday.
Onyonka emphasized the need for humanitarian intervention, urging the Kenyan government to act swiftly to protect Nduta’s fundamental rights. While acknowledging Vietnam’s legal framework, he proposed three key options: a plea for clemency to reduce the death sentence, diplomatic negotiations for her repatriation, or collaboration with international human rights organizations to secure a fair trial.
“This distressing development calls for urgent diplomatic intervention to safeguard her fundamental rights and explore the possibility of clemency and repatriation,” Onyonka wrote.
Kenya has a history of advocating for justice and humane treatment of its citizens abroad, and Onyonka urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate action. Copies of his letter were also sent to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, and the United Nations Mission in Kenya.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also joined calls for Ruto to intervene, reinforcing the urgency of the matter.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei acknowledged the complexity of Nduta’s case but assured that the government is actively exploring options to secure reprieve for her.
Onyonka expressed confidence in President Ruto’s leadership, stating that a personal intervention could lead to a diplomatic resolution. “The President should have already made a personal effort in his capacity to initiate negotiations with Vietnam leadership concerning a matter that involves a Kenyan citizen,’’ he said.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts will succeed in saving Nduta’s life.
