Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has disclosed the diplomatic efforts made by President William Ruto to delay the execution of Kenyan Margaret Nduta in Vietnam.
Nduta had recently been sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Vietnam.
Speaking to the media at Nduta’s rural home in Murang’a County, Chege confirmed that Nduta is still alive, crediting President Ruto and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their pivotal role in postponing the planned execution.
“When the issue came up, I raised it in Parliament and also brought it to the attention of the Head of State.
I am grateful to him for following up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our consulate. Our embassy in Bangkok has also been in communication with Vietnam,” Chege said.
She added, “There’s been a lot of diplomacy and ongoing talks, but the good news is that Nduta will not be executed for now.
The government will provide its position once the negotiations are concluded.”
At the same time, Chege emphasized the need for stronger oversight of employment agencies, which she accused of deceiving Kenyans into criminal activities abroad.
“In Parliament, I will personally address this matter and raise it with the President.
We must vet the agencies recruiting our youth with promises of better opportunities, only for them to face hardships and even flee once they arrive abroad,” she said.
Margaret Nduta, 37, had been scheduled to be executed on Monday evening by lethal injection after being convicted of drug trafficking.
She was arrested in 2023 at a Vietnamese airport with 2 kg of cocaine. Her family, however, maintains that she was set up.
Nduta’s sister, Wambui Macharia, explained that Nduta had been given a new bag before traveling, which she believes was part of a scheme to frame her.
As the execution date neared, the Kenyan government took immediate action to seek clemency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated Kenya’s embassy in Thailand to prevent the execution, successfully securing more time for Nduta.
