Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has announced his intention to run for the presidency in Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Havi, a prominent lawyer and politician, declared his candidacy during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, signaling his readiness to challenge President William Ruto.
Havi’s statement comes at a time when the political landscape is shifting, particularly within the opposition. Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga, who has been a formidable contender in Kenya’s presidential elections, appears to be setting his sights on international leadership. Odinga is actively campaigning for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), a move that Havi says creates a leadership vacuum in Kenya’s opposition.
“If Baba doesn’t want to do it, some of us will,” Havi remarked, referencing Raila’s potential absence from the presidential race.
A New Face for Opposition Politics
Havi’s decision to vie for the presidency underscores his belief in the need for an alternative to President Ruto. The lawyer-turned-politician, who has often been vocal about governance issues, argues that his candidacy will offer Kenyans a fresh choice, particularly in the absence of Raila.
“Of course, I will be running for president of the Republic of Kenya in 2027,” he asserted, adding that he sees himself as a viable alternative for Kenyans seeking change.
The timing of Havi’s announcement is notable as the government intensifies its campaign to support Raila’s bid for the AUC chairmanship. This international endeavor has seen Raila and a government-led team, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua, rally support from various African nations.
Raila’s AU Bid Gains Momentum
Raila’s campaign for the AUC chairmanship has already garnered significant support, with 25 member states pledging their backing. The endorsement of Mauritius, which had its own candidate, Anil Gayan, marks a major milestone in the campaign. Gayan’s withdrawal simplifies the race, leaving Raila to contend with Djibouti’s Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
To secure the position, Raila needs two-thirds of the votes cast by the 48 eligible member states in the February 2027 election, translating to at least 32 votes. The Kenyan campaign team has reported progress in rallying additional support, with efforts now focused on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a bloc comprising 16 countries, including South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Raila’s extensive tour of West Africa over the past 10 days, coupled with his planned engagements in Southern Africa in January, demonstrates a robust strategy to secure the AUC chairmanship. If successful, his bid would bolster Kenya’s influence within the African Union and enhance its push for institutional reforms.
A Complex Political Landscape
Havi’s presidential ambition and Raila’s international campaign highlight the evolving dynamics in Kenyan politics. While Raila’s focus on the AUC could elevate Kenya’s standing on the continental stage, it also opens the field for new contenders like Havi to position themselves as national leaders.
Havi’s announcement also poses questions about the state of Kenya’s opposition. With Raila potentially stepping away from domestic politics, the opposition will need to redefine its leadership and strategy to effectively challenge President Ruto’s administration.
As 2027 approaches, the political landscape will likely see further shifts, with new alliances and rivalries emerging. For now, Nelson Havi’s declaration signals the beginning of what promises to be an eventful election season, while Raila’s AUC bid showcases Kenya’s ambitions on the international stage.
