Nelson Havi says he will follow any political direction given by Gachagua
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 4, 2026Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has declared his allegiance to former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, stating that he will follow any political direction given by him.
Speaking during the funeral of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother in Murang’a County on Saturday, January 3, 2025, Havi unequivocally stated that during the run-up to the 2022 general election, Gachagua, then the deputy presidential candidate, and Gakuya, who served as the UDA coordinator in Nairobi, were the key figures giving political direction.
He said that while he was vying for the Westlands MP seat, they took instructions from the two leaders and will continue to do so going forward.
He noted that during the campaign period that ushered the Kenya Kwanza administration into power, Gakuya was their chairperson in Nairobi, while Gachagua was their political point man.
Havi added that any political direction issued by the two leaders would still be followed.
“Wakati tullikuwa tunawania kuweka hii serikali mamlakani, huyu Gakuya ndio alikuwa mwenyekiti wetu Nairobi, na huyu naibu wa raisi ndio alikuwa kinara wetu, na hawa wakisema mwelekeo ni huu sisi tutafwata,” Havi stated.
Havi’s recent political steps
This comes at a time when Havi is seeking a second stab at the Westlands MP seat ahead of the 2027 general election, following his loss to Tim Wanyonyi in 2022. Wanyonyi has since announced plans to shift his political ambitions to Bungoma County, where he intends to vie for the governor’s seat.
Havi recently ditched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which he used in the 2022 elections, and hinted at joining the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
However, he later stated that although he had been advised by Westlands constituents to join ODM, he reconsidered after assessing the ongoing wrangles within the party.
Havi campaigning for Panyako
Recently, during the Malava by-election, Havi openly campaigned for the candidate fronted by the United Opposition and the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Seth Panyako.
He was seen actively making rounds in Malava, popularising the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) boss’s bid alongside other opposition politicians led by Eugene Wamalwa, who are opposed to the current administration.
Despite having recently visited the State House, where President William Ruto conferred on him the Senior Counsel title, Havi has remained vocal and sharply critical of the current regime, continuing to openly slam the government on various issues.