The family of Margaret Nduta is clinging to hope following a last-minute reprieve from her scheduled execution on Monday evening. With renewed faith, they gathered for prayers on Tuesday, appealing to the government to intensify diplomatic efforts for her repatriation to Kenya.
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, for sparing my child’s life. Now, I ask that she be brought back to Kenya,” said Purity Wangari, Nduta’s mother.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege expressed relief over the stay, stating, “There is extensive diplomatic communication underway, but the most encouraging news is that Nduta’s execution will not proceed at this time. The government will provide an update once negotiations are complete.”
Margaret Nduta, 37, was sentenced to death by lethal injection after being convicted of drug trafficking. She was arrested in 2023 upon arriving in Vietnam’s capital with two kilograms of cocaine. However, her family firmly believes she was framed.
“Two girls were involved; Nduta was told she would be the last to leave. When her turn came, she told me she was given a small bag and instructed to pack her clothes into it,” recounted her sister, Wambui Macharia.
As the date of execution approached, the Kenyan government acted quickly to seek a stay or clemency for Nduta. Efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have successfully delayed her execution, giving the family a glimmer of hope.
While they remain optimistic that Nduta will avoid the death penalty, a local MP has called for stricter regulations on employment agencies that allegedly mislead unsuspecting Kenyans into dangerous situations. “We must be cautious and ensure that our citizens are safeguarded from such pitfalls,” the MP urged.
As negotiations continue, the Nduta family and the Kenyan government remain hopeful for a positive resolution.
