Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has endorsed senior counsel Nelson Havi’s bid for the Westlands parliamentary seat, saying his entry into politics strengthens the Democratic Congress Party’s (DCP) push to attract experienced professionals into leadership.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Gachagua said the party was deliberately positioning itself as a platform for strong legal and policy expertise to enhance legislation, representation and oversight in Parliament.
“DCP party requires great legal minds for legislation, representation and oversight,” he said.
Mr Gachagua described Mr Havi, a former Law Society of Kenya president, as one of the country’s finest legal minds, saying his experience would add value to parliamentary debates and lawmaking if elected.
“I am happy to welcome Nelson Havi SC, one of the greatest legal minds in the country, to walk with us in his quest to represent the people of Westlands constituency in the National Assembly,” he said.
The former deputy president said Kenya’s Parliament needed leaders with the professional depth to scrutinise legislation, protect constitutionalism and hold the Executive to account, roles he said lawyers with extensive courtroom and public interest experience were well placed to play.
Mr Gachagua added that DCP was keen to move away from personality-driven politics by building a party anchored on ideas, competence and accountability.
“DCP Party is the home of progressive professionals who desire political leadership,” he said.
Mr Havi has previously been vocal on constitutionalism, governance and the rule of law, often weighing in on high-profile legal and political disputes. His potential entry into elective politics signals a growing trend of senior professionals seeking parliamentary seats ahead of the next general election.
Westlands constituency, which has traditionally attracted high-profile political contests, is expected to be among the most competitive races, given its diverse electorate and strategic position within Nairobi County.
Mr Gachagua’s endorsement comes as opposition parties intensify recruitment and mobilisation efforts, positioning themselves as alternatives to the ruling establishment while appealing to professionals disillusioned with mainstream politics.
DCP officials say the party is focusing on building a national profile by fielding candidates with strong professional backgrounds, arguing that effective lawmaking and oversight require more than political loyalty.
