Babu Owino Calls on President to Intervene in the Execution of Kenyan Woman in Vietnam

Kenyan national Margaret Nduta Macharia faces imminent execution in Vietnam after being convicted of drug trafficking in July 2023.

Macharia was apprehended at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City while in transit to Laos, found to be carrying over two kilograms of cocaine. Vietnamese law mandates the death penalty for trafficking large quantities of narcotics. The severity of the sentence has spurred urgent appeals from Kenyan lawmakers urging President William Ruto to intervene.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has publicly implored the President to take immediate action to save Macharia's life. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has also appealed to President Ruto to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Vietnam to seek clemency or a commuted sentence. The case has sparked widespread concern in Kenya, igniting public debate regarding justice, international law, and the Kenyan government's responsibility to protect its citizens abroad.

“I want to take this opportunity to ask and request President William Ruto to assist this lady called Margaret Nduta, who is supposed to be hanged in Vietnam. This lady committed no crime. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Babu Owino.

While some acknowledge the gravity of Macharia's crime and the sovereignty of Vietnamese law, many Kenyans are advocating for humanitarian considerations, a more lenient sentence, or repatriation. Senator Onyonka has proposed strategies including a plea for clemency, diplomatic negotiations for repatriation, and engagement with international human rights organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the complexities of the case, stating its efforts to secure a reprieve for Macharia.