Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called on former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi to unequivocally announce his bid for the presidency, criticizing his indirect approach to addressing the matter.
The exchange unfolded following a post by Havi, in which he cautioned Kenyans about the potential presidential candidacy of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
In a November 21, 2024 post, Havi suggested that Matiang’i could be a worse option than the incumbent, President William Ruto.
Havi declared that he would run for president in 2027 if former Chief Justice David Maraga declines the calls to contest for the country’s highest office.
“Kenyans, if we are not careful, Dr Fred Matiang’i may be the only alternative to Dr William Ruto in 2027, and he might be President. We would have moved from bad to worse. It is for that reason that if C J David Maraga rejects our passionate plea to run, I will volunteer my name,” Havi wrote on X.
Boni Khalwale reacted to Havi’s post in a tweet on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The Kakamega senator urged Havi to embrace boldness and declare his intentions without hesitation.
“My brother, why are u announcing ua presidential candidacy by beating around the bush? Come to Kidundu grounds and just say it!” Khalwale tweeted.
A political comeback?
Nelson Havi’s initial foray into elective politics in 2022 resulted in a significant defeat.
The former LSK president vied for Westlands parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but was defeated by the incumbent Tim Wanyonyi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Havi conceded defeat two days before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the official results.
“Well done, team Havi. We are the minority in the contest for Westlands. The majority chose Timothy Wanyonyi. They duly deserve him in their wisdom, or lack of it. On our part, we are contented with the outcome. Congratulations to you my elder brother, Tim Wanyonyi. Serve well,” Havi said in a statement on social media on August 10, 2022.
Tim Wanyonyi retained his Westlands parliamentary seat after garnering 58,400 votes against Havi’s 19,500 votes.
As Havi hints at a presidential bid, the political spotlight shifts to whether he will heed Khalwale’s call and make a decisive announcement.
His potential candidacy, particularly after his 2022 loss, could inject new dynamics into the 2027 presidential race.