Nelson Havi Joins Gachagua’s DCP Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has officially joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), marking a significant political realignment as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Havi formalised his move on Wednesday, February 4, after he was photographed alongside Gachagua at the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, clad in DCP party regalia. The development ends months of speculation about the senior counsel’s next political home following his exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) late last year.
In a statement welcoming Havi to the party, Gachagua described the former LSK boss as a key addition to DCP’s leadership and policy agenda, saying his legal expertise would strengthen the party’s legislative and oversight capacity.
“The DCP requires great legal minds for legislation, representation and oversight. I am happy to welcome Nelson Havi SC, one of the greatest legal minds in the country, to walk with us as he seeks to represent the people of Westlands constituency in the National Assembly,” Gachagua said.
Havi had first hinted at his political shift during the burial of the late MP James Gakuya’s mother in Murang’a County on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, he publicly pledged loyalty to Gachagua, fuelling speculation that he was set to join the former deputy president’s political outfit.
“When we were in the quest of putting the current government in power, MP Gakuya was our chairman,” Havi told mourners, before adding that he would stand by Gachagua’s political direction going forward.
The senior lawyer resigned from UDA on November 7, 2024, through a letter addressed to the party’s Secretary General Hassan Omar and copied to the Registrar of Political Parties. In the letter, Havi cited Section 14 of the Political Parties Act but did not disclose the reasons behind his decision to quit the ruling party.
Havi had joined UDA in 2021 after being welcomed by then-Deputy President William Ruto and went on to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election, which he lost. His latest move signals a renewed bid for the constituency in 2027, this time under the DCP banner.
Political observers note that Westlands could be a highly contested seat in the next election cycle, especially with reports indicating that current MP Tim Wanyonyi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) may seek the Bungoma governorship. Such a development would leave the seat open, potentially giving Havi an opportunity to stage a political comeback.
Analysts say Havi’s entry into DCP could significantly boost Gachagua’s influence in Nairobi County, a region that remains politically competitive and strategically important. His legal background and national profile are also expected to enhance the party’s appeal among professionals and urban voters.
Havi’s declaration in Murang’a was witnessed by several high-profile leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as ODM’s Secretary General, underscoring the political significance of the event.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace, Havi’s move adds to a growing list of political realignments that could reshape alliances and competition, particularly in Nairobi and its environs.
ALSO READ: Florida Man Gets Life Sentence After Foiled Assassination Attempt on President Trump
Nelson Havi Joins Gachagua’s DCP Ahead of 2027 General Elections
