Family of Kenyan Woman Jailed in India for Drug Trafficking Appeals for Government Help

The family of Judy Wangeci Ngahu, a Kenyan woman held in India since March 2022 on drug trafficking allegations, is urgently appealing to the Kenyan government for legal assistance. 

Ngahu was apprehended in Gujarat after authorities discovered 4.2 kilograms of narcotics concealed in her luggage. She is currently incarcerated at Sabarmati Central Jail. Ngahu's arrest occurred on March 1, 2022, upon arrival in India. Her nephew, Crispas Muturi, says that the family had previously expressed concerns over her frequent trips to India, which she explained were related to purchasing car spare parts for her business. 

According to her sister, Jane Mboi, Ngahu indicated that her final trip involved meeting a boyfriend, though she provided limited details. The family later learned that Ngahu had been asked to deliver a bag to India alongside an unknown man. A routine luggage inspection in Gujarat led to the discovery of the narcotics. Despite Ngahu's claims of innocence and lack of knowledge regarding the bag's contents, she remains in custody. 

Her bail application was denied, partly due to her status as a foreign national. The family initially secured legal representation in India, but escalating costs have impeded their efforts to secure her release. They continue to provide Ngahu with personal items and financial support.
The family is imploring the Kenyan government to intervene. 

"She deserves a fair trial and a chance to prove her innocence," a family member remarks.

This case is not isolated. Another Kenyan woman, Emily Kanini Rodha, was also arrested in India with drugs valued at Sh 270 million. Authorities noted her nervous behaviour during airport inspections, leading to the discovery of the contraband. Kanini allegedly confessed that a woman from Nairobi had recruited her with a promise of Sh 100,000.