Nelson Havi, the former president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has formally announced his candidacy for the presidency in the 2027 elections, after months of speculation.
Speaking during a televised interview on Monday morning December 2, 2024, Havi underscored the need for an alternative to President William Ruto.
“I will be running for the president of the Republic of Kenya in 2027,” he declared.
“It is now quite evident that there ought to be an alternative to Dr. William Samoie Ruto,” he added.
The outspoken lawyer also criticized opposition leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that Baba’s focus appears to be shifting toward continental leadership rather than another bid for the presidency.
Havi claimed that Raila’s insiders are tirelessly working to have him elected as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The new AUC chair will be elected at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2025.
Raila has not confirmed whether he intends to run for president again, but if elected AUC chair, his participation in the 2027 race would seem unlikely.
Havi noted that he would be on the ballot if Raila doesn’t want to vie for the presidency in 2027.
“You can see my cousin Baba’s other sons are quite determined to ensure that he’s saddled at the continental level instead of coming here. If Baba doesn’t want to do it some of us will do it,” Havi said.
Khalwale calls out Havi
Earlier, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called out Havi over his indirect approach to addressing his presidential bid.
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.
Significant defeat
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.
