Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
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The Kenyan government has issued a strong advisory to its citizens residing abroad, following the death sentence handed down to a Kenyan woman in Vietnam for drug trafficking.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi's warning comes in the wake of the conviction of 37-year-old Margaret Nduta Macharia, who was apprehended at Ho Chi Minh City Airport in July 2023 with over two kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage. A Vietnamese court sentenced Nduta to death last week. During her trial, Nduta claimed innocence, stating that an acquaintance identified as "John" had placed the drugs in her suitcase without her knowledge.
She alleged that "John" had offered her Sh168,350 and covered her airfare to transport the package from Nairobi to Laos. The Kenyan government is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions with Vietnam, seeking leniency and advocating for a reconsideration of the sentence. The lack of legal representation for Nduta during her trial has further complicated the matter. Mudavadi emphasizes the need of adhering to local laws in foreign countries, cautioning Kenyans about the severe consequences of engaging in illegal activities while abroad.
"It is imperative that young Kenyans venturing out of the country understand that, once they set foot on foreign soil, they are subject to the laws of that nation," Mudavadi states, urging citizens to avoid illicit activities that could endanger their lives and damage Kenya's international reputation.
Meanwhile, Nduta awaits the outcome of an appeal against her death sentence. Her scheduled execution was postponed following intervention from the Kenyan government. Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei has confirmed a Kenyan delegation visited Nduta and that her appeal will be heard soon. Sing'Oei cautions Kenyans against drug trafficking, revealing discussions with Vietnamese authorities regarding Kenya's plea for leniency.
This case is not an isolated incident. There has been an increase in reports of Kenyans being arrested abroad for smuggling drugs, gold, and other contraband, particularly in Asia. In February, 14 Kenyans were among 18 suspects detained at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle gold and diamonds concealed in their clothing and luggage.
These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities of Kenyan emigrants, many of whom seek better opportunities abroad but are subsequently drawn into criminal networks. The Kenyan government is being urged to implement awareness campaigns to educate Kenyans about the risks of engaging in unlawful practices, as well as provide enhanced support for those living abroad.