Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed Senior Counsel Nelson Havi into the Democratic Choice Party (DCP), describing the seasoned lawyer as a valuable addition whose expertise could strengthen the party’s legislative and oversight agenda.
Speaking during the announcement, Gachagua said DCP prioritizes professional competence in politics, noting that legal minds are critical for effective lawmaking, representation, and accountability.
He added that Havi’s 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 interest in contesting the Westlands parliamentary seat.
Gachagua further described DCP as “the home of progressive professionals who desire political leadership,” positioning the party as a platform for technocrats seeking active roles in governance.
Havi’s move comes after months of public commentary critical of government policies.
However, he has not formally announced his resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party on whose ticket he contested the Westlands seat in the 2022 General Election. In that race, he lost to incumbent Tim Wanyonyi.
Since the election, Havi—who previously served as president of the Law Society of Kenya—has remained active in public debates on governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Gachagua framed Havi’s reception into DCP as part of a broader strategy to attract professionals, including lawyers, economists, and policy experts, into frontline politics.
“The country needs leaders who understand the law, governance, and accountability. Oversight is not a slogan; it is a skill,” Gachagua said, underscoring the party’s reformist message as it prepares for upcoming political contests.
Havi is expected to contribute to DCP’s messaging on legal and institutional reforms as the opposition reorganizes. While questions linger over the timing of his formal exit from UDA, his reception into DCP signals a notable political alignment.
His move also coincides with the entry of Kanini Kega, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), into the party. Gachagua welcomed Kega on social media, reiterating that DCP is “the home of progressive leaders who desire leadership in the future.”
, describing the seasoned lawyer as a valuable addition whose expertise could strengthen the party’s legislative and oversight agenda.){kind=link}