Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has confirmed plans to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election. He presents himself as a tough legislator focused on oversight, accountability, and legal reform.
In an interview, Havi said he will leave the ruling United Democratic Alliance and seek nomination from another party. He cited weak party appeal in Westlands and Nairobi as the main reason for the shift. He said he has already informed President William Ruto of his decision.
Havi currently serves as chairperson of the Retirement Benefits Authority, a role he holds until February. He pointed to his record in public service to support his bid. He cited court actions against Covid-19 restrictions, leadership in the legal challenge to the BBI process, and performance at the RBA, which he ranked among the top state corporations.
He dismissed claims that his past offices delivered little public value. He said his work produced clear outcomes for Kenyans and should be judged on results.
The lawyer finished second in the 2022 Westlands contest. He said the loss stemmed from timing, campaign disruptions, and the sitting MP’s advantage, not voter rejection. He now seeks a return using a different political platform.
Havi described political parties as tools for reaching an objective. He said UDA served that role in 2022 but no longer fits the Westlands context. He confirmed talks with parties linked to the United Opposition and named the Democratic Action Party as one option.
Oversight forms the core of his agenda. Havi said Parliament has failed to restrain the Executive. He pledged to play an active role in exposing misuse of public funds and weak governance. He said effective oversight requires a few firm voices, not the entire House.
On legislation, he plans to push for youth employment through vocational training and partnerships with multinational firms based in Westlands. He also proposed changes to judicial laws to address case delays by introducing automatic consequences for inaction.
Havi defended his combative online presence, which has drawn criticism and legal trouble in the past. He said public pressure remains necessary to expose corruption and incompetence in the legal system. He said he will continue to speak forcefully.
On local security and high living costs, he linked the problems to national policy failures and poor scrutiny of public spending. He said economic inclusion for young people would reduce crime. He added that MPs must raise local service failures, such as faulty street lighting, with county authorities.
He blamed Parliament for approving finance laws without proper review, which he said has worsened inflation and weakened the shilling.
Havi rejected proposals to expand non-lawyer representation in the Judicial Service Commission. He said legal professionals should oversee judicial affairs. He argued that the core issue lies in the election of compromised commissioners, not the structure itself.
He urged Westlands residents, workers, students, and business owners to register and transfer their votes to the constituency. He said voters need a strong voice in the National Assembly.
With his entry, the Westlands race takes shape as a contest between assertive oversight and continuity. Havi positions himself as a confrontational reformist seeking a second chance.
