Nelson Havi: I won't support Ruto's re-election

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has announced that he will not support President William Ruto’s reelection in 2027.

Havi was a strong supporter of Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government during the 2022 elections, playing a key role in the campaign.

After Ruto’s victory, he was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).

His appointment, made by former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, was officially announced in a notice dated February 10, 2023. He was appointed to serve a three-year term.

Despite still serving as RBA chairperson in Ruto’s government, Havi appears to be distancing himself from the President and has become one of his most vocal critics.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Havi made it clear that he does not intend to support Ruto’s bid for a second term.

“My contract with William Ruto was for five years, and as those five years come to an end, I do not propose to renew it,” Havi stated.

Instead, he expressed his support for former Chief Justice David Maraga should he choose to run for president in 2027.

“I have said we need David Maraga as the next President of the Republic of Kenya, and I say this forthrightly. No one can fault me for it—no one controls me, and they know it,” he said.

“I speak the truth for the good of the people of Kenya. Let us do the right thing.”

Havi clarified that his decision was not due to a belief that Ruto had become a bad leader, but rather because of his recent actions.

“William Samoei Ruto is one of the best men I have ever come across in my life, and I have no regrets about supporting him. When I made a deliberate decision to back Dr. William Ruto, I evaluated my options carefully, and I have learned to live with the consequences of my choice,” he said.

“Has he become a bad person? No, but his conduct has changed for the worse. I plead with you, Dr William Ruto—listen to the people who mean well for you.”

Havi first voiced his support for Maraga in November last year, when he suggested that either the former Chief Justice or his predecessor, Willy Mutunga, should run for president.

“Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga SC or Chief Justice David Maraga must sacrifice their retirement and offer themselves for election as President of the Republic of Kenya. We need a wise elder to reset this social contract to its original form,” he said at the time.

A section of Kenyans has been urging Maraga to run for president, citing what they describe as his exemplary leadership during his tenure as Chief Justice.

Recently, Maraga’s meetings have fueled speculation about his political ambitions.

Last week, he sparked debate after hosting a group of civil society activists at his Nairobi residence.

The Tuesday meeting, which primarily included Gen Z activists, took place at a time when young people are increasingly advocating for governance reforms in Kenya.

In a video that went viral, Maraga was seen joining the group in singing a popular liberation song that gained prominence during the 2024 anti-government protests.

Following the meeting, Maraga took to his official social media page to express his support for the youth-led movement.

“The youth’s struggle for a better Kenya deserves all our support,” he wrote.

“Thank you, @Nyamisa_Chela, and your team for the courtesy call. I was inspired by your passion and commitment to transforming Kenya into a better place for everyone,” Maraga added.