Cherargei ridicules Havi’s shift in tone after Ruto awarded him Senior Counsel
By Kiprono Keileb, December 11, 2025Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has taken a swipe at former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi, suggesting that his frequent criticism of President William Ruto’s administration was driven more by a desire for attention than genuine concern.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Cherargei implied that Havi’s tone had changed after he was among the 54 lawyers conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel by President Ruto.
“Congratulations, Omunyambi Nelson Havi, for the award of senior counsel, and you were all smiles when you met President Ruto. You whispered you need an appointment kumbe all this noise was because of attention only. As the saying goes noises of frogs don’t disturb cows from drinking water,” Cherargei wrote.
Havi, who has spent months publicly criticising the government, particularly on constitutional affairs, has often positioned himself as one of the administration’s most outspoken legal challengers. His remarks have ranged from questioning legislative processes to faulting what he described as executive overreach.
The Senator framed Havi’s criticisms as political theatrics rather than principled legal oversight, arguing that his meeting with the President and evident joy after receiving the honour raised questions about the sincerity of his earlier statements.
The Senior Counsel conferment, the highest professional recognition in Kenya’s legal profession, placed Havi among seasoned advocates acknowledged for their exemplary service and leadership within the legal community. The list of 54 awardees was forwarded by the Committee on Senior Counsel and approved by President Ruto.
Lawyers recommended for prestigious Senior Counsel title
The committee, chaired by SC Philip Murgor, announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that it had received 105 applications, from which it had considered 54 advocates and recommended them for the conferment of the SC title.
Among the advocates considered are Moses Wetang’ula, Nelson Havi, and Ongoya. Other notable names on the list are former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, and Patrick Lumumba Otieno (PLO).
Below is the full list of the advocates recommended for the prestigious Senior Counsel title.
- Rapinder Singh Sehmi
- Paul Ndiritu Ndungu
- Clement Muturi Kigano
- Eliud Ng’ang’a Njoroge
- Evans Thiga Gaturu
- Ambrose Rachier Otieno
- Richard Omwela
- Moses Masika Wetangula
- Alexandra Kontos
- Nancy Wakarima Karigithu
- Moses Kipng’etich Kurgat
- Rubeena Dar
- Dr. Kivutha Kibwana
- Lumatete Walubengo Muchai
- Njoroge Regeru
- Prof. Patrick Otieno Lumumba
- Anastacia Kioko Mululu
- James Ochieng Oduol
- Jane Njeri Onyango Njoki
- Christine Agimba Anyango
- Hillary Chacha Odera
- Njeri Caroline Ndegwa Kariuki
- Mercy Wangari Buku
- Isaac Edwin Okero
- Prof. Kariuki Muigua
- Dr. Hosea Kimutai Kili
- Kennedy Ogeto
- Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey
- James Mburu Kamau
- William Ikutha Maema
- Patrick Lutta Odongo
- Ruth Anyango Aura
- Dr. Mercy Mwarah Deche
- Hassan Nunow Lakicha
- Koki Muli Grignon
- James Aggrey Mwamu
- Adil Khawaja
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Paul Lilan
- Henry Ongicho Asugah
- Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
- Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu
- Mohammed Salim Balala
- Rose Walthera Njoroge
- Nazima Malik
- Michi Kirimi Kanyiri
- Noordin Mohamed Haji
- Richard Harney
- Ahmed Sheikh Adan
- Nelson Andayi Havi
- Eric Theuri Njeru
- Elisha Zebedee Ongoya
- Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu
- Immaculate Muringo Kassait