At least 1,000 Kenyans are behind bars abroad over various offences, it has emerged.

The revelation comes against the backdrop of the recent case of Margaret Nduta, who has been sentenced to death in Vietnam for drug trafficking.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made the remarks on Tuesday as he cautioned Kenyans travelling abroad to obey the laws of the countries they visit.

He stated that the laws of host countries apply whenever a crime is committed.

Although Mudavadi said the government is working on a solution for Nduta’s case, he described it as unfortunate that a Kenyan is facing such a situation.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has been engaging with Vietnamese authorities to seek mitigation.

“It is not a pleasant situation, and we hope there will be a solution. But there are issues that we must also address.

‘‘I can tell you that in different countries today, we have about 1,000 Kenyans facing incarceration,” said Mudavadi.

One of the solutions the government is exploring, through the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Ministry and the Attorney General’s office, is to establish agreements on prisoner exchanges.

“Some cases involve misdemeanours, others are serious offences, and we are trying to gather data. Kenyans travel of their own volition. It is their right, and they can go to whichever country they wish,” he explained.

Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, stressed that Kenyans must be cautious and avoid falling into traps, urging them to be responsible citizens both at home and abroad.

“We have been at the forefront of promoting bilateral development agreements and trade, while also focusing on responsible mobility.

‘‘One of the things I have been telling young Kenyans is that the moment you board a plane and land in another country, the laws that apply are those of that respective country. Please respect the laws,” he added.

He emphasised that Kenya should not be perceived as a conduit for illicit trade, drugs, human trafficking, contraband, or illegal firearms.

Mudavadi was speaking after holding political consultations with his Netherlands counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, at a Nairobi hotel.

Nduta, who is from Weithaga in Kiharu, Murang’a, is currently on death row after reportedly being found in possession of cocaine.

She was scheduled to face execution on Monday evening via lethal injection following her conviction on drug trafficking charges.

On Tuesday, her family gathered for prayers at their home, urging the government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Nduta’s repatriation to Kenya.

“Asante sana, Mr President, kwa sababu mtoto wangu hakuuliwa. Naomba sasa aletwe Kenya (Thank you, Mr President, because my child has not been executed. I now pray that she is brought home),” said Nduta’s mother, Purity Wangari.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege attended the prayers and expressed optimism that a solution would be found.

“There is a lot of diplomacy and communication going on behind the scenes, but the best news is that Nduta is not going to be executed — at least for the moment.”

Nduta was arrested in 2023 at a Vietnamese airport after being found in possession of two kilograms of cocaine, but her family has maintained that she was framed.