A Vietnamese court has sentenced 37-year-old Kenyan national Margaret Nduta Macharia to death after convicting her of drug trafficking. The ruling, delivered on March 6, 2025, has sparked shock and debate, with her family and fellow Kenyans calling for government intervention to save her life.
Nduta was arrested in July 2023 at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City after authorities discovered over 2.3 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her luggage. She had traveled from Kenya and was en route to Laos when customs officers flagged her suitcase for inspection.
Despite her claims that she had no knowledge of the drugs, stating that a fellow Kenyan had given her the suitcase in exchange for $1,300 and covered travel expenses, the court found her guilty and sentenced her to death under Vietnam’s strict anti-drug laws.
News of her sentencing has devastated her family in Murang’a County, with her mother making an emotional plea to the Kenyan government to intervene. She hopes Nduta’s sentence can be reduced or that she can serve time in Kenya instead of facing execution in a foreign land.
The case has ignited discussions among Kenyans, with many sympathizing with her plight and others warning against the dangers of falling victim to drug trafficking syndicates. Online, Kenyans have urged the government to push for clemency, emphasizing the need for diplomatic intervention.
Vietnam is known for its harsh stance on drug-related crimes, where trafficking offenses often result in the death penalty. Alongside drug smuggling, other offenses such as murder, corruption, and bribery can also lead to capital punishment.
The country has faced international criticism over its strict laws, but its government insists that such penalties serve as a deterrent.
With time running out, Nduta’s fate now lies in potential legal appeals and diplomatic efforts. Whether Vietnam will consider reducing her sentence remains uncertain, but her case serves as a stark warning about the risks involved in unknowingly transporting items across international borders. As pressure mounts, Kenyans continue to follow the case closely, hoping for a last-minute intervention that could save her life.
