Lawyer Nelson Havi has expressed strong views about a planned discussion on Citizen TV’s JKL show, comparing it to a “rowdy roadside rally.” His comments came shortly after Linus Kaikai, the host of the show, made an announcement that the upcoming episode would focus on the ongoing fight between art and politics.
The show was set to air at 9 p.m. and promised to explore how artists and politicians often clash, especially when artists criticize the government or speak out on political matters.
Nelson Havi, who is known for his direct and sometimes controversial opinions, did not hold back in his criticism. He argued that the structure of the discussion was flawed, particularly because the panel was too large.
According to him, having too many people on the panel would make the conversation confusing and chaotic. He insisted that a good and productive discussion should involve no more than three people.
In his view, this would allow for a calm and focused exchange of ideas, rather than people shouting over each other and turning the discussion into a noisy affair.
The topic of the show, which revolves around how art and politics interact, has been gaining attention in Kenya. Many artists have recently been using their platforms to speak out against political injustices, corruption, and poor leadership.
In doing so, they often face backlash, especially from government officials who accuse them of overstepping their boundaries.
The tension between the right to artistic freedom and political control has led to growing public debates, with some supporting the artists’ right to speak and others questioning their methods.
Havi’s remarks about the panel size may seem like a minor issue, but they touch on a deeper concern about the quality of conversations on mainstream media.
He appears to be pushing for better organization and more thoughtful dialogue on national television. His call for a smaller panel suggests he values meaningful discussion over loud and chaotic debates that don’t lead anywhere.
This opinion is likely to resonate with viewers who have grown tired of TV shows that feel more like arguments than informative sessions.
At the same time, there are those who might argue that a larger panel offers more diverse opinions and represents different sides of the issue.
For a topic as complex as the relationship between artists and politicians, having multiple voices can bring in fresh perspectives and make the debate more inclusive.
However, managing such a panel well is key to ensuring that it doesn’t turn into the kind of disorder Havi warned about.
As the conversation about art and politics continues to grow in Kenya, it’s clear that it won’t just be confined to TV studios.
Figures like Nelson Havi are adding weight to the debate by challenging how such conversations are conducted.
Whether people agree with him or not, his voice is pushing the media to think about how they structure discussions and what kind of dialogue the public really needs.
