Havi: Somebody will initiate litigation to challenge Oburu’s legitimacy in ODM
By Kiprono Keileb, November 18, 2025Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has raised concerns over the leadership of Oburu Odinga and the growing instability within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during a political talk show hosted by a local media house on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Havi stated that ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga is facing a legal challenge.
Havi highlighted looming disputes over leadership. “There is a possibility somebody will initiate litigation to challenge the legitimacy of Oburu Odinga as a party leader, which will come. The origination of such litigation will come from UDA,” Havi stated.
Discussing his hesitation to join ODM due to dissatisfaction among senior leaders, Havi emphasised internal conflicts.
Weakening the party
“We are gravitating towards an ODM that is not the ODM we knew. A few months ago, after I resigned from UDA, I was determined to join ODM, but how can I join ODM when people like Edwin Sifuna and others are dissatisfied? How can I join ODM when James Orengo is dissatisfied?” he posed.
On ODM’s growing closeness with the government, Havi warned it could weaken the party’s independence and influence.
“The origin of this dispute has been said by many people. It is qualifying with the government of the day, so that the fusion creates a blur between the official functions of ODM as a political party and those of the government. And that negates the weight of ODM,” Havi remarked.
Regarding the party’s current state, Havi criticised members prioritising short-term gains over the party’s values.
“ODM is disintegrating, and it is so sad because this is the people’s party. When you talk to many people, they tell you to go to ODM, but how can you go to a party that is disintegrating?”
On the risks of ignoring constitutional and party principles, Havi cautioned against future instability.
“The temporary comfort that they want to enjoy by supporting a regime by being part of a process that not only violates the constitution on the highest level but also violates the party constitution is a recipe for chaos,” the statement read.