‘Akukufukuzaye akwambii toka’ — Havi Explains Move from UDA to DCP

Former Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua Welcoming Nelson Havi to DCP Party

Senior Counsel Nelson Havi has opened up on his decision to join the Democratic Choice Party (DCP), saying continued association with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had become politically and personally untenable.

Havi said public anger and the perception surrounding UDA made it difficult for him to freely interact with ordinary Kenyans despite having no involvement in corruption or wrongdoing.

“It became unbearable to be associated with UDA. I am an easygoing person. I have not stolen anyone’s money. I walk in the streets and people tell me, ‘Havi tafadhali toka kwa hiyo chama cha watu wajeuri na wezi,’” Havi said.

The former Law Society of Kenya president said his decision was also influenced by events during the UDA party elections in 2024, when he was removed from the voting register.

“I remember in 2024 when UDA elections were being held and I had already been removed from the voting register. That was a justifiable reason for me to leave. Akufuzaye akwambii toka,” he said.

Havi dismissed claims that his move to DCP was driven by political desperation, insisting he took time to evaluate different options before making a decision.

“I have been a spinster all this time and people have been courting me. I evaluated them and settled on DCP,” he said.

He further rejected the narrative that DCP is made up of Kenya Kwanza rejects, saying the party represents leaders committed to integrity and reform.

“DCP is not Kenya Kwanza rejects. It is people who stand for the right thing,” Havi added.

Havi previously contested the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election on a UDA ticket but lost to incumbent Tim Wanyonyi. He has since remained active in public debate on governance, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

He has indicated interest in making another attempt at the Westlands seat in the next general election.

Gachagua Welcomes Havi to DCP

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of DCP, formally welcomed Havi into the party on Tuesday, describing him as a valuable legal mind who would strengthen the party’s legislative and oversight agenda.

Senior Counsel Nelson Havi poses for a photo with DCP party Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders on February 4, 2026/X

“We value great legal minds for legislation, representation and oversight. 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.

Gachagua said DCP was positioning itself as a political home for professionals, including lawyers, economists and policy experts, ahead of future electoral contests.

“The country needs leaders who understand the law, governance and accountability. Oversight is not a slogan; it is a skill,” he said.

Havi is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s legal and institutional reform agenda as the opposition reorganises.

His entry into DCP coincided with the arrival of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega, as the party continues to build its national profile.