NAIROBI, July 17 – Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has warned President William Ruto and leaders of the Broad-Based Government against dismissing Rigathi Gachagua’s growing political influence, arguing that the Ol Kalou by-election has demonstrated the former Deputy President’s strength in the Mt Kenya region.

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Havi’s remarks came after a section of UDA leaders celebrated the party’s overall performance in recent parliamentary and senatorial by-elections, despite losing the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

According to Havi, comparing Gachagua’s influence in Mt Kenya with election outcomes in other regions misses the bigger political picture ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“UDA and ODM leaders in the Broad-Based Government are getting it wrong. Rigathi Gachagua is clear that he has the overwhelming support of Kikuyu voters, which are eight million. He has demonstrated that fact through the first by-election,” Havi said.

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He argued that ignoring what he described as Gachagua’s proven support in the region would be politically risky.

“Underrating that proven fact with reference to defeats in North Eastern, Nyanza and Western Kenya is foolhardy,” he stated.

Havi further claimed that President Ruto would struggle to secure another term without the backing of a significant portion of Mt Kenya voters.

“The fact is that without eight million solid votes which he previously had, or even half of it, President William Ruto cannot be re-elected,” he said.

The former LSK president also criticized the handling of the Ol Kalou by-election, saying the situation had worsened the President’s political challenges.

“His plight is further aggravated by the unnecessary violence meted on the people of Ol Kalou. CS Aden Duale and all those misadvising the President to chest-thump will be his biggest downfall,” Havi added.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya