Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Update on clemency for Nduta’s death sentence in Vietnam

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is expected to give an update as it continues diplomatic efforts to save Margaret Nduta Macharia, a 37-year-old woman who is scheduled to be executed in Vietnam today at 8:30 pm local time for drug trafficking.

In a statement issued on March 16, 2025, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that he spoke with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, conveying the anxiety of the Kenyan people and reiterating Kenya’s request for a stay of execution.

“I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and reiterated our request for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue,” Sing’oei said.

“I am grateful for Madam Hang’s assurance that our Petition is under consideration by her Country’s authorities. In the meantime, our Mission in Bangkok is actively following up the case in situ,” he added.

Nduta was convicted by the People’s Court in Ho Chi Minh City on March 6 after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine.

Her family in Weithaga, Kiharu, Murang’a County, believes she was set up, claiming she was given a parcel by someone named “Njoroge,” who paid for her air ticket to deliver it to an unidentified recipient.

According to court documents, Nduta was arrested in July 2023 while in transit to Laos after successfully passing through security checks at airports in Nairobi, Ethiopia, and Qatar.

She testified in court that she was paid $1,300 (approximately Ksh167,000) for the delivery.

City Hall Way closed for WRC Safari Rally opening

Nairobi City County has announced the temporary closure of City Hall Way from 8:00 pm tonight (Monday, March 17) until Thursday, March 20, at 3:00 pm. for the official opening ceremony of the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.

The closure affects the stretch from the City Hall Way roundabout to the Parliament roundabout.

“The public should take note of this temporary closure and plan their movements accordingly. This will allow for the safe setup and hosting of the WRC Safari Rally Opening Ceremony,” the event organizers announced.

Motorists have been advised to plan alternative routes in advance to avoid inconveniences, with traffic management teams expected to be deployed to assist with navigation.

Gachagua’s interview after church ban

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is scheduled to appear for an interview on Kameme FM and Kameme TV today from 6:00 am.

This comes just a day after he was barred from addressing congregants at an Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) event, where Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit reinforced a ban on political speeches inside churches.

Gachagua, who had attended the event alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, was left in shock after the announcement.

Archbishop Ole Sapit stated that politicians would only be acknowledged by name and permitted to greet the congregation, but not to address them.

“We will mention their names, they will wave their hands if they so wish to speak to the congregants. It will be done outside of the sanctuary, not only today but in all our dioceses and churches,” the Archbishop stated.

Gachagua’s interview is expected to touch on this incident and his future political plans.