Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has issued a strong warning to President William Ruto, urging him to take control of his Cabinet and stop giving political relevance to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Havi made it clear that allowing senior government officials like Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to engage Gachagua publicly only strengthens the latter’s influence.
He stated that if Ruto does not act, he will be held personally responsible for the consequences.Havi’s remarks come after Duale launched an attack on Gachagua, arguing that the former deputy president lost his position because he had turned himself into a regional leader rather than serving as the country’s second-in-command.
According to Duale, Gachagua was more focused on representing Mount Kenya interests than fulfilling his national duties, which ultimately led to his downfall. These comments have sparked fresh debate over the political future of Gachagua and the role he continues to play despite his impeachment.
Havi took to his X handle on March 20 to express his concerns, warning that any response from Ruto’s government to Gachagua only serves to elevate his status.
He specifically called out Duale and Kindiki, saying they should be stopped from responding to the former deputy president.
He argued that in the battle for public attention and media coverage, Gachagua would come out on top if the government keeps engaging him.
This, according to Havi, is a strategic mistake that Ruto cannot afford to make.The former LSK president’s warning highlights the ongoing political tensions within Kenya Kwanza. Gachagua, despite being impeached, has remained a vocal critic of Ruto’s administration, consistently positioning himself as a champion of Mount Kenya’s interests.
His continued influence in the political scene appears to be causing discomfort within the government, with senior officials feeling the need to respond to his statements.
Havi’s concerns suggest that Ruto’s administration is playing into Gachagua’s hands by giving him unnecessary visibility.
Political analysts argue that silence would be the best strategy to neutralize Gachagua, as engaging with him only fuels his political resurgence. Whether Ruto will heed this advice remains to be seen, but if his top officials continue attacking Gachagua, it could indicate deeper divisions within the ruling coalition.
Gachagua seems to be enjoying the attention, using every attack against him as an opportunity to solidify his support. If Ruto does not act swiftly, he may find himself dealing with a more politically emboldened Gachagua, a situation that could complicate his 2027 re-election plans.
