Government issues warning to Kenyans in diaspora
Government cautions Kenyans in diaspora after Margaret Nduta was sentenced to death in Vietnam.
Government cautions Kenyans in diaspora after Margaret Nduta was sentenced to death in Vietnam.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a warning to all Kenyans living in the diaspora after a Kenyan woman was sentenced to death in Vietnam.
Mudavadi has warned Kenyans not to fall into the trap of illegal activities, despite the number of those flying out of the country for jobs in Asia falling into scamming and other illegal trades.
“We need to be careful that Kenyans who are stepping out into the diaspora do not fall into the trap of engaging in any illegal activities. It’s absolutely important that this is taken,” Mudavadi asserted.
This follows the highly publicised case of Margaret Nduta Macharia, 37, who was sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking.
Nduta, who was arrested in July 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City Airport with over two kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage, was sentenced last week.
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Speaking during the trial, she claimed she was unaware of the drugs, stating that an acquaintance named “John” had given her the suitcase for delivery from Nairobi to another individual in Laos in exchange for Ksh168,350 and airfare.
Nduta was not represented by counsel, something that has prompted the government to intervene. Kenya and Vietnam have started talks to find a middle ground, with Kenya hoping the death sentence can be overturned.
In response, Mudavadi stressed that Kenyans must understand that Kenyan laws do not apply in the countries to which they migrate.
“One of the things I’ve been emphasising is that please, the young Kenyans that are going out, remember that the moment you board a plane and the wheels have lifted when you land in whatever country you’re going into, the laws that apply are not Kenyan laws. They are the laws of that respective country,” he said.
Warning, “ So please, respect the law. We have to be very clear about this. And we have to be collective and understanding on this matter.”
Kenyans are among those reportedly arrested, often smuggling drugs and other items, especially to India and other Asian countries.
Just last month, in February, 14 Kenyans were among 18 individuals arrested at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle gold and diamonds into India. The suspects had concealed the precious items in their clothing and luggage.
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