1,000 Kenyans jailed in foreign nations
The government and the family of Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan woman sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking, are still awaiting final communication on her fate. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi stated that Kenya had received details of her charges and was actively pursuing clemency for her. He emphasized that efforts were being made to prevent her execution by lethal injection, with the Foreign Affairs Ministry engaging with Vietnamese authorities to explore possible mitigation.
1,000 Kenyans Incarcerated Abroad
Beyond Nduta’s case, the government is assessing the broader issue of Kenyans jailed overseas. Mudavadi’s office is compiling data on citizens who have violated laws in foreign countries, aiming to develop interventions to support affected individuals. He noted that offenses varied in severity, from minor infractions to serious crimes, and specific details on individual cases were still being gathered.
Women Targeted for Drug Trafficking
A significant number of those imprisoned for drug-related offenses are women who were deceived into participating in the illicit trade. The government is urging Kenyans traveling abroad to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to trafficking schemes. Mudavadi stressed that once individuals leave Kenyan soil, they are subject to the laws of their destination country, not Kenya’s legal framework.
Kenya’s Stance Against Illicit Trade
Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a country that opposes illegal trade. He underscored that while Vietnam follows its own judicial processes, Kenya does not want to be perceived as a hub for drug trafficking, human trafficking, or other illicit activities. The government is determined to uphold this stance collectively and ensure the country is not associated with contraband dealings.
Government’s Efforts to Assist a Kenyan in Vietnam
The government expressed concern over the unfortunate situation of a Kenyan facing legal issues in Vietnam. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Principal Secretary, had been in communication with Vietnamese counterparts to explore possible mitigation measures. Authorities hoped for a favorable outcome that would prevent summary execution.
Caution Against Involvement in Illegal Activities
While clarifying that the government was not passing judgment on the individual’s guilt or innocence beyond the judicial findings in Vietnam, it emphasized the importance of caution. Officials stressed the need for Kenyans abroad to avoid illegal activities and underscored the necessity of sending a strong message about responsible conduct. The government advocated for responsible behavior among Kenyans, both at home and in the diaspora.
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Legal Awareness and Compliance
Kenya had actively promoted bilateral labor agreements and responsible labor mobility. Officials reminded young Kenyans traveling abroad that the laws governing them upon arrival were those of the host country, not Kenya’s. They urged travelers to respect local laws, emphasizing the importance of legal awareness when living or working in foreign nations.
1,000 Kenyans jailed in foreign nations.
