By Andrew Kariuki
Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has confirmed plans to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, positioning himself as a no-nonsense legislator intent on strengthening parliamentary oversight and pushing institutional reforms.
In an interview, Havi disclosed that he will part ways with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the party lacks grassroots appeal in the cosmopolitan Westlands Constituency.
He said he will instead seek nomination from a party aligned with the United Opposition, naming the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as one of the options under consideration.
Havi, who currently chairs the Retirement Benefits Authority until February, pointed to his public service record as evidence of readiness for legislative office.
He cited his leadership role at the Law Society of Kenya, legal challenges against the Building Bridges Initiative, litigation arising from Covid-19 containment measures and his stewardship at the RBA, which he described as among the top-performing state agencies.
“I do not agree with the suggestion that the offices I have held have not delivered tangible results to Kenyans,” Havi said, insisting his public roles have consistently advanced accountability and constitutionalism.
His renewed bid follows a second-place finish in the 2022 Westlands race, which he lost to incumbent MP Tim Wanyonyi.
Havi attributed the defeat to incumbency advantage and timing rather than voter rejection. “Politics is about vehicles,” he said.
“UDA was available in 2022. Today, its receptivity in Nairobi and Westlands is questionable.”
He confirmed that he has formally communicated his intention to leave UDA to President William Ruto.
At the core of Havi’s campaign is a pledge to restore rigorous oversight in the National Assembly, which he says has failed in its constitutional mandate.
He argued that meaningful oversight does not require numbers but courage.
“A few determined MPs can make a difference,” he said.
Havi outlined plans to champion youth employment through vocational training and partnerships with multinational firms headquartered in Westlands.
He also proposed legislative amendments targeting judicial delays, including default consequences for judges who fail to deliver rulings within prescribed timelines.
On corruption and accountability, Havi was unapologetic about his confrontational style, particularly on social media, despite past legal run-ins.
He described his approach as deliberate and necessary.
“Those who are incompetent or corrupt should be uncomfortable,” he said, adding that he has no intention of moderating his public commentary.
Addressing concerns over rising crime and the high cost of living in Westlands, Havi linked the challenges to broader governance failures and weak oversight.
He said economic empowerment of young people would reduce crime, while MPs must also push county governments to fix basic infrastructure issues such as non-functioning streetlights.
He further criticised Parliament’s handling of recent finance bills, accusing MPs of passing punitive tax measures without adequate scrutiny, contributing to economic strain and currency instability.
Havi also weighed in on proposals to reform the Judicial Service Commission, dismissing calls to increase the number of non-lawyer commissioners.
He argued that the problem lies not in the commission’s structure but in the election of compromised individuals.
As he ramps up his campaign, Havi urged Westlands residents, workers, students and business owners to register and transfer their votes to the constituency.
“You only need one fearless voice in Parliament,” he said.
“I am ready to be that voice.”
With his declaration, the race for Westlands is shaping up as a high-stakes contest that will test whether a hardline legal reformist can convert courtroom clout into electoral success.
