The family of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Vietnam, remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will secure her safe return to Kenya. Nduta, 37, was convicted after being arrested in July 2023 at an airport in Ho Chi Minh City while transiting to Laos. Authorities found 2 kg of cocaine hidden in a false compartment in her suitcase, leading to her conviction on March 6, 2025.
Despite her claims of innocence, arguing she was unaware of the suitcase’s contents, the Vietnamese court found her guilty. Her execution was initially scheduled for Monday evening but did not take place, reportedly due to Kenya’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Vietnam.
On Tuesday, Nduta’s family gathered at their home in Murang’a for prayers, pleading with President William Ruto to intensify negotiations for her repatriation. Her mother, Purity Wangari, expressed deep gratitude that her daughter had not yet been executed and urged the government to facilitate her return.
“Thank you so much, Mr. President, because my child was not killed,” Wangari said, her voice filled with emotion. “Bring her to Kenya. I will be so happy, and many people will be happy.”
Speaking to the media, nominated MP Sabina Chege affirmed that the Kenyan government is actively engaging with Vietnamese authorities to spare Nduta’s life and explore possible legal alternatives.
“The best bit of it is that Nduta is not going to be hanged now,” Chege said. “There’s a lot of talk going on, and very soon, the government will give its position once the negotiations are done.”
Nduta’s twin sister, Wambui Macharia, shed light on the circumstances leading to her arrest, claiming that those facilitating her travel had advised her to transfer her belongings into a new suitcase, as her original one was deemed small and old.
“She was told to move her clothes to the new bag,” Wambui explained, implying that Nduta may have unknowingly carried the drugs.
As diplomatic talks continue, Nduta’s family remains in anguish, clinging to the hope that she will be granted a second chance at life.
