Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Choice Party (DCP), has welcomed senior counsel Nelson Havi into the party, describing him as a prominent legal expert whose experience could contribute to the party’s legislative work.
Gachagua said the DCP values “great legal minds for legislation, representation and oversight” and suggested that Havi’s legal background would enhance the party’s capacity in Parliament and beyond.
“I am happy to welcome Nelson Havi SC, one of the country’s legal experts, to walk with us as he pursues representation of the people of Westlands constituency in the National Assembly,” Gachagua said.
Havi has indicated an interest in contesting the Westlands parliamentary seat.
“DCP is the home of progressive professionals who desire political leadership,” Gachagua added.
Havi’s move follows months of public commentary critical of government policies. He has not yet formally announced a resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party under which he contested the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election.
In that election, Havi ran on a UDA ticket but lost to incumbent Tim Wanyonyi. Since then, he has frequently engaged in public discussions on governance and legal issues, including constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Gachagua framed Havi’s entry into the DCP as part of a strategy to attract professionals, including lawyers, economists, and policy experts, into active politics.
“The country needs leaders who understand the law, governance, and accountability. Oversight is not a slogan; it is a skill. That is why leaders like Havi are critical to our journey,” he said.
Havi, a former Law Society of Kenya president, is expected to contribute to the party’s messaging on legal and institutional reforms as the opposition positions itself ahead of upcoming contests.
Questions remain over the timing of his formal exit from UDA. Nevertheless, his reception into DCP marks a notable political alignment.
Havi’s move coincides with East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega joining the party.
Gachagua welcomed Kega on social media, calling DCP “the home of progressive leaders who desire leadership in the future.”
