Nelson Havi Joins Gachagua’s DCP

The Democratic Choice Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has admitted senior counsel Nelson Havi, signalling a move to position professionals at the centre of its political strategy.

Announcing Havi’s entry, Gachagua said the party was committed to building leadership based on expertise and professional competence. He stressed that effective oversight required skill and experience, not slogans, and said DCP aimed to attract lawyers, economists and policy specialists. 

Gachagua added that Havi’s legal background would strengthen the party’s contribution to legislative work and national debate. Havi, a former president of the Law Society of Kenya, is regarded as a leading legal practitioner and a strong public advocate for constitutionalism and the rule of law. 

His association with DCP comes at a sensitive political moment, as he has not formally declared his exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), under which he contested the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election.

In that contest, Havi lost to incumbent MP Tim Wanyonyi. 

Since then, he has remained active in public discourse, frequently criticising government policy and commenting on legal and governance issues. His recent statements and renewed focus on Westlands suggest he may again seek election to the National Assembly, this time on a DCP ticket.

Havi’s recruitment aligns with Gachagua’s broader effort to rebrand DCP as a platform for professionals seeking political office. The party is positioning itself as an alternative to established formations often associated with career politicians. Political analysts note that this approach may appeal to urban constituencies where governance reform and professional leadership are key concerns.

DCP has also recently welcomed Kanini Kega, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly. Gachagua confirmed Kega’s entry through social media, describing the party as a home for leaders with future national ambitions.