The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued an update regarding Kenyan national Margaret Nduta, who was facing execution in Vietnam.
In a statement dated July 31, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam has commuted her death sentence to life imprisonment.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs wishes to confirm that during a court session held today, Ms. Margaret Nduta’s sentence was commuted by the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam from the death penalty to life imprisonment,” read part of the statement.
Relief for Nduta as Sentence Is Reviewed
The Ministry further noted that the outcome is the result of sustained diplomatic engagement between the Government of Kenya and the Government of Vietnam.
The Government has also extended its gratitude to all those involved, particularly the Kenya Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand and all well-wishers for the support and legal counsel.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate the members of the Kenyan diaspora community in the ASEAN region who attended the court hearing in Vietnam, to show support for Ms. Nduta,” read part of the statement.
Additionally, the government has reminded all Kenyans traveling abroad to respect the laws and regulations of their host countries, remain vigilant, and avoid any involvement in illegal activities that may lead to conflict with the law.
Also Read: Ruto’s Govt Speaks Hours Before Nduta’s Execution in Vietnam
Why Margaret Nduta Was Facing Execution
Nduta, a 37-year-old Kenyan, was sentenced to death in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, over drug trafficking charges.
On March 6, 2025, a Vietnamese court found her guilty of smuggling two kilos of cocaine valued at about Ksh27 million in the international market and sentenced her to death by lethal injection.
Nduta was arrested in July 2023 after more than 2.3 kilograms of cocaine were found hidden in her luggage upon her arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
According to court documents, Nduta was hired by a man named John from Kenya in July 2023 to transport a suitcase to Laos, Southeast Asia.
Also Read: Kenyan Officials Visit Margaret Nduta in Vietnam Prison, Give Way Forward
Govt of Kenya Intervenes
The Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei had earlier indicated that the government was doing everything within its means to assist Nduta.
“Nduta’s case is complex and difficult, but we are doing everything within our disposal to secure a reprieve for our nation,” the PS said in a tweet.
At the same time, the Sing’oei revealed that he had a telephone conversation with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang over the matter of Margaret Nduta and conveyed the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution.
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