Former LSK President ditches UDA for the ‘home of progressive leaders,’ signaling a major shift in Nairobi’s political landscape as the 2027 chess game begins.

The tectonic plates of Nairobi politics shifted decisively on Wednesday afternoon. In a move that has sent ripples through the capital’s corridors of power, Senior Counsel Nelson Havi has officially defected to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The flamboyant former Law Society of Kenya President was unveiled at the party’s Lavington headquarters, marking a significant coup for Gachagua as he assembles a war chest for the 2027 general election.

Havi, who unsuccessfully contested the Westlands parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2022, has been a vocal critic of the current administration since his resignation from the ruling party in November 2024. His reception by Gachagua was not merely a photo opportunity; it was a statement of intent. "DCP is the home of progressive professionals who desire political leadership," Gachagua declared, flanked by the party's top brass. "We value great legal minds for legislation, representation, and oversight."

The Westlands Battlefront

The strategic implication of this move is clear: Havi is preparing for a rematch in Westlands. By aligning with DCP, he is betting on Gachagua’s growing influence to dislodge the incumbent, Tim Wanyonyi. The former DP’s strategy appears to be the consolidation of disgruntled professionals and the Mt. Kenya voting bloc in the city.

• The Professional influx: Havi’s entry follows Gachagua’s call for lawyers, economists, and technocrats to join active politics, signaling a shift from populist rhetoric to policy-driven opposition.
• The Kanini Kega Factor: In a coordinated double-strike, EALA MP Kanini Kega also joined DCP on the same day, suggesting a meticulously planned consolidation of regional kingpins under Gachagua’s umbrella.

A New Political Axis?

For political observers, Havi’s defection is symptomatic of the deepening fissures within the Kenya Kwanza alliance. "I am happy to welcome Nelson Havi to walk with us," Gachagua noted, framing the DCP as the new vanguard for accountability. Havi, known for his sharp legal mind and combative style, brings not just visibility but a reputation for taking on the establishment.

As the dust settles on this high-profile transfer, the question remains: Can Gachagua’s DCP translate this star power into votes? For now, the "Omwami" of the legal fraternity has found a new home, and the battle for Nairobi’s soul has just entered a volatile new phase.