Havi wants court petition filed to stop Ruto’s pledges to chiefs and village elders
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 4, 2025Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi wants President William Ruto’s recent goodies to chiefs and village elders challenged in court and stopped from taking place.
While speaking during an interview on a local radio station on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Havi urged a Kenyan of goodwill to move to court and challenge the promises that were given to chiefs, village elders, and police officers.
This comes after the President announced sweeping reforms for chiefs and village elders, including a monthly stipend of Ksh3,000 for each village elder, promotions for chiefs, vehicles to assist in their movement, and tablets. The reforms are set to take effect in June 2026 after the budget is in place.
According to Havi, President Ruto’s promises to officers of the National Government Administration (NGAO) are unlawful and did not follow the required procedures. He argued that such large-scale promises should have involved public participation before being implemented.
He further stated that it would be a watertight case if filed in court, saying it has enough legal grounds for the promises to be halted.
Havi faulted the National Assembly, which he said should have taken action to prevent such measures from proceeding. Since Parliament appears to be captured, he believes the only remaining avenue is the courts, which he insists are not yet captured.
He emphasized the need for urgency, insisting that someone should move to court quickly, adding that they would easily obtain a court order to stop the process from continuing.
“My plea is this: let a Kenyan move to court and challenge this. Under Article 10 of the Constitution, every decision made by the government must abide by the Constitution and the law and must incorporate public participation. Let somebody go to court, and I can tell you, the court will stop this from taking place,” Havi said.
The promises
The President had promised sweeping reforms to officers under the Interior Ministry. He also promised a promotion for 50-year-old police officers at the rank of constable to the next rank. Additionally, he pledged to review police transfers, saying officers will no longer be transferred arbitrarily.
Transfers will only take place after serving at one station for at least one year. The social aspect of police welfare will also be considered, with officers above 50 years to be transferred to areas near their homes as they approach retirement.