Kenya Attempts Diplomatic Intervention in Nduta Macharia’s…

Margaret Nduta Macharia faces imminent execution in Vietnam for drug trafficking. The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry describes her case as ‘complex and difficult’ while her family and legislators seek diplomatic intervention. Efforts are being made to negotiate a stay of execution and potential repatriation, amid Kenya’s limited diplomatic presence in Vietnam.

The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry has classified the case of Margaret Nduta Macharia, sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, as “complex and difficult.” Her conviction, stemming from smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine, has incited calls for diplomatic intervention as the execution date approaches on Monday.

Macharia, 37, was convicted by the Ho Chi Minh City people’s court on March 6. Her family and several Kenyan legislators have appealed for Nairobi to negotiate with Hanoi for her repatriation, even if it requires serving a sentence in Kenya. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka emphasized the urgency of this plea in a letter to President William Ruto, requesting clemency based on humanitarian grounds.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei acknowledged the challenges of Nduta’s situation but affirmed the ministry’s commitment to seeking reprieve. He reported discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, where he requested a stay of execution to explore potential resolutions.

Given that Kenya lacks a diplomatic mission in Vietnam, its embassy in Thailand manages the case. However, Vietnam’s diplomatic presence in Tanzania is responsible for relations with Kenya. The two nations, while maintaining cordial relations, have not entered into formal bilateral agreements, with their last official engagement occurring in 2020.

Margaret Nduta Macharia’s execution is scheduled, with her final meal to be served at 7:30 p.m. local time on Monday, followed by execution at 8:30 p.m. Vietnam is recognized for its stringent drug laws, where possession and trafficking of significant amounts of narcotics can result in the death penalty.

The case of Margaret Nduta Macharia remains at a critical juncture as her execution date approaches. Despite the Foreign Ministry’s recognition of the complexities, efforts are ongoing to negotiate a diplomatic resolution. The involvement of her family and Kenyan legislators illustrates the urgency for clemency and potential repatriation, as Kenya aims to navigate this challenging situation within the bounds of international relations.

Original Source: www.citizen.digital