Respect foreign laws, says Mudavadi as Kenya negotiates Nduta’s execution

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that at least 1,000 Kenyans are facing incarceration in foreign countries after being convicted of various crimes.

The revelation comes as Kenya negotiates with Vietnam to secure a lesser sentence for Margaret Nduta, a 30-year-old Kenyan woman sentenced to death by lethal injection for drug trafficking.

Nduta was convicted in 2023 for smuggling two kilograms of cocaine and was scheduled for execution yesterday. 

While her family maintains her innocence, Mudavadi has urged Kenyans traveling abroad to respect local laws, warning that diplomatic interventions do not always guarantee success.

“The moment you land in another country, the laws that apply are not Kenyan laws but those of that country, please respect them,” said Mudavadi.

He added that Kenya enforces strict anti-narcotics laws within its borders and will not tolerate drug trafficking, whether by Kenyans or foreigners.

The Foreign CS also expressed concern that Kenya’s frequent involvement in international criminal cases damages its reputation.

“Vietnam has its own legal processes, and we don’t want to market Kenya as a conduit of illicit trade, whether drugs, human trafficking, illicit firearms or any other contraband,” he said.

Mudavadi urged those seeking opportunities overseas to avoid criminal activities.

Nduta’s case coincides with the Kazi Majuu program, a government-led initiative aimed at securing employment for Kenyans abroad.

“We need to be careful that Kenyans who are stepping out into the diaspora do not fall into the trap of engaging in illegal activities. We want responsible Kenyans at home, and in the diaspora,” he added.

Nduta’s family remains hopeful that she can serve her sentence in Kenya as negotiations continue, with reports indicating positive progress.

Kenya has previously intervened in similar cases.

Earlier, it successfully postponed the execution of Steven Munyakho, a 50-year-old Kenyan convicted of murder in Saudi Arabia.

Mudavadi also revealed that the Ministry and the Attorney General’s office are drafting prisoner exchange agreements to facilitate the transfer of Kenyans convicted abroad.

However, he cautioned that such negotiations are complex and time-consuming.