Margaret Nduta in a Vietnamese court. Photo/Courtesy
By Newsflash Reporter
A Kenyan woman facing execution in Vietnam has been granted the opportunity to appeal her conviction, offering a glimmer of hope in a case that has sparked concern among human rights activists and government officials.
Background of the case
Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan national, was sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, a crime that carries some of the harshest penalties in the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam has strict anti-drug laws, and traffickers are often handed severe punishments, including the death penalty.
Nduta was arrested at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022 after being found in possession of narcotics. According to reports, she was unaware of the legal implications and was allegedly duped into transporting the contraband.
Despite her claims, she was convicted and sentenced to death after a trial in which she lacked legal representation.
Government intervention and appeal hearing
In an update shared on X (formerly Twitter), Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei assured Kenyans that diplomatic efforts were underway to seek alternative resolutions for Nduta’s case.
Read more: China imposes tariffs on American goods in retaliation against Trump’s move
“Pleased to update that our team from Bangkok finally secured travel visas and made it to Ho Chi Minh Prison in Vietnam, where Margaret Nduta is presently held. We can confirm that while deeply distressed, Margaret is coping and has been treated humanely,” Sing’oei stated.
Sing’oei also confirmed that despite not having legal representation during her initial trial, Nduta’s appeal had been officially filed and would soon be heard.
“Though Margaret was not represented by counsel during trial, an appeal filed a few days ago will be heard soon. In the meantime, we continue to engage our Vietnamese counterparts on other options towards resolving this difficult matter,” he added.
Calls for fair treatment and legal assistance
Human rights organizations and legal experts have raised concerns over the fairness of Nduta’s trial and the conditions under which she was convicted. They argue that the lack of legal representation violated her right to a fair trial.
“Every accused person, regardless of the crime, deserves access to legal counsel. The fact that Nduta was sentenced to death without representation is deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International Kenya.
Family members have also pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that Nduta may have been tricked into carrying the drugs without fully understanding the consequences.
“We are devastated. We only hope the appeal will allow the court to review her case fairly,” a relative told local media.
Government’s warning on drug trafficking
As the case continues to unfold, the Kenyan government has warned its citizens against getting involved in drug or human trafficking, highlighting the severe consequences.
Read more:The link between diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure
“Kenyans are strongly advised not to get tempted or lured into any form of drug or human trafficking. It is an extremely dangerous and costly misadventure,” Sing’oei cautioned.
Next steps in the case
Nduta’s appeal hearing date has not yet been confirmed, but diplomatic negotiations remain ongoing. The Kenyan government, along with international legal aid organizations, is pushing for a fair review of her case and exploring alternative options, including a possible sentence reduction.
