Korir Sing’Oei Shares Update on Margaret Nduta’s Execution in Vietnam After Deputy Minister Call
The potential execution of Margaret Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan woman in Vietnam, might be averted due to renewed government efforts.
Korir Sing’Oei, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, announced on Sunday that he had communicated with the Vietnamese government following public concern in Kenya regarding Nduta’s possible return.
Sing’Oei stated that he spoke with Nguyen Minh Hang, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, who confirmed that the matter was being reviewed.
Sing’Oei explained that Kenya had already submitted a formal request to Vietnam, expressing the deep concern of the Kenyan people.
In their request, Kenya urged Vietnam to postpone Nduta’s execution to allow both nations to find a solution.
Sing’Oei stated, “This afternoon, I had a telephone conversation with my counterpart, H.E. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, concerning Margaret Nduta. I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people regarding the impending execution of our citizen and reiterated our request for a delay in the execution to enable our two countries to discover a method to resolve the matter.”
“I am appreciative of Madam Hang’s assurance that our request is being considered by her Country’s authorities. Meanwhile, our Mission in Bangkok is actively monitoring the case on the ground,” Sing’Oei added.
Nduta faces execution in Vietnam after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of illegal drugs.
Her arrest occurred at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, a major transportation hub in Vietnam.
On Thursday, March 6, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court sentenced Nduta to execution, reinforcing Vietnam’s strict stance on drug-related offenses.
According to court documents, Nduta was allegedly paid $1,300 (approximately KSh 167,000) to transport the illegal substances, which she denied in court, claiming she believed she was transporting legal goods.
Whether the government’s intervention will be successful remains to be seen, especially after a previous unsuccessful attempt to save a Kenyan from execution in the Middle East.
Stephen Munyakho, also known as Abdulkareem, was convicted of manslaughter in October 2011 by a Saudi court and later sentenced to execution in 2014 by a Shariah court for the death of a Yemeni national during a fight.
Earlier, when asked about repatriating Nduta, Sing’Oei said, “Nduta’s case is complex and difficult, but we are doing everything within our power to secure a reprieve for our citizen.”
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Korir Sing’Oei Shares Update on Margaret Nduta’s Execution in Vietnam After Deputy Minister Call
