Kenya has failed in multi-party democracy- Nelson Havi

Lawyer Nelson Havi speaking on Citizen TV on October 30, 2024

Senior Counsel Nelson Havi has said Kenya has failed to fully embrace multi-party democracy, arguing that political parties in the country are largely built around individuals rather than strong institutions.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday, Havi said political parties in Kenya rise and fall with individuals, adding that political parties often use their structures to pursue political power but diminish once leaders assume public office.

“Kenya to a large extent has failed in multi-party democracy. Parties exemplify the individuals. Parties are born, and they die with the individual,” Havi said.

Havi was responding to reported cracks within the Linda Mwananchi political movement, as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino reportedly fail to read on the same page as they forge a decision ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He cited the situation in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the party's subsequent fragmentation showed the extent to which Kenyan political parties depend on individual leaders.

Havi said the death of Mr. Odinga opened the way for his followers to pursue different political paths, highlighting the importance of civic education for voters as well as leaders in order to understand their roles..

“We sat on this table a few days after the demise of His Excellency Prime Minister Raila Odinga and we said his exit from the political arena in Kenya meant that his followers will be freed and there will be a fragmentation of ODM,” he said.

The former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president dismissed reports of a major fallout between Sifuna and Babu Owino, calling it a “non-issue”, saying the two politicians have different political ambitions.

“I’ll give you a very good analogy. The eagle feeds on flesh, the pigeon feeds on grains. They can never fight over their diet. And even if you’re the one feeding them there shouldn’t be a problem. Edwin Sifuna wants to be the President, Babu Owino wants to be Governor,” explained Havi.

His remarks came amid growing discussions within opposition circles over the political vehicle they will use to pursue a unified course in the 2027 elections in a bid to oust President William Ruto.

Havi said the focus should instead be on building political formations that can serve beyond individual personalities and strengthen the multi-party democracy of Kenya.