Nelson Havi, former Law Society of Kenya president, has resigned from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. He joined the party in 2021 to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat but lost to the incumbent. Recently, he stated that Westlands residents want him to resign from UDA and join ODM to represent them in the 2027 elections.
Nelson Havi, prominent lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya president, has formally resigned from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in a letter dated November 7, 2025. Addressed to the party's Secretary General and copied to the Registrar of Political Parties, Havi stated: “I hereby give notice of resignation as a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) effective today, in accordance with Section 14 of The Political Parties Act, Cap 7D of the Laws of Kenya.” He added: “Please, notify the Registrar of Political Parties of my resignation to enable the removal of my name from the membership list of the party.”
Havi joined UDA in 2021 after announcing his intention to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election. He was welcomed by the party's leader at the time, William Ruto, who was then Deputy President and a presidential hopeful. However, he lost to the incumbent MP, Tim Wanyonyi, who has held the seat since 2013.
Havi did not disclose reasons for his resignation, but it follows Wanyonyi's anticipated exit from the 2027 parliamentary race to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat. Recently, Havi shared: “I have listened to the People of Westlands. The unanimity of their views is that I can serve them in the National Assembly following the decision by Tim Wanyonyi to run for Governor of Bungoma County.” He continued: “The People of Westlands have, however, put only one condition on me. They have asked that I resign from UDA and join ODM. I have been in ODM before. My departure was necessitated by the need then to challenge the dismemberment of the Constitution through the BBI initiative. I am more than happy to accede to the demands of the People of Westlands, as the People are the sovereign.”
This move could signal shifts in Westlands politics ahead of the 2027 elections, where Havi may return to opposition ranks.