PS Sing’Oei Confirms Nduta is Still Alive

The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, has confirmed that a consular team from Bangkok has finally accessed Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan national imprisoned in Vietnam on drug-related charges. Nduta, who is on death row, was visited at Ho Chi Minh Prison following weeks of diplomatic efforts by the Kenyan government.

Taking to social media, PS Sing’Oei reassured the public that while deeply distressed, Nduta is coping and has been treated humanely. He further noted that she was not represented by legal counsel during her trial, but an appeal was recently filed and is set to be heard soon.

Pleased to update that our team from Bankok finally secured travel visas and made it to Hoi Chin Mihn Prison in Vietnam where Margaret Nduta is presently held.We can confirm that while deeply distressed, Margaret is coping and has been treated humanely. Though Margaret was not…

— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) March 21, 2025

“Pleased to update that our team from Bangkok finally secured travel visas and made it to Ho Chi Minh Prison in Vietnam, where Margaret Nduta is presently held. We can confirm that while deeply distressed, Margaret is coping and has been treated humanely. Though Margaret was not represented by counsel during trial, an appeal filed a few days ago will be heard soon,” Sing’Oei tweeted.

The Kenyan government remains actively engaged with its Vietnamese counterparts, exploring all possible avenues to resolve this difficult matter. Authorities have also issued a stern warning to Kenyans against getting involved in drug and human trafficking, describing it as an “extremely dangerous and costly misadventure.”

Nduta was arrested in 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City Airport with a significant quantity of narcotics, leading to her conviction and subsequent placement on death row. Her case has sparked concern, with many calling for diplomatic intervention to secure her release or a reduced sentence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its consular services, continues to monitor the situation closely. Meanwhile, Kenyans are urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to illegal activities that carry severe consequences in foreign jurisdictions.