Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has issued a playful warning to those mocking his distinctive eyes, famously referred to as ‘UFO eyes’.
In a humorous post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, December 7, 2024, Havi jokingly threatened anyone who uses a photo of him for memes or makes fun of his appearance with 21 days of detention.
The lighthearted post quickly went viral, as Havi, known for his bold and often witty personality, responded to the growing number of memes circulating online.
“This photograph and the UFO eyes are copyrighted. Anyone using it in a meme will be kidnapped and detained for 21 days. People should learn not to disrespect the Sixth. Uwinjo, Mary Langri?” Havi posted.
Havi’s presidential bid
In the post, the phrase ‘the sixth’ refers to Havi’s presidential ambitions, as he seeks to become Kenya’s 6th president.
Havi formally announced his candidacy for the presidency in the 2027 elections after months of speculation.
Speaking during a televised interview on Monday morning December 2, 2024, Havi underscored the need for an alternative to President William Ruto.
“I will be running for the president of the Republic of Kenya in 2027,” he declared.
“It is now quite evident that there ought to be an alternative to Dr. William Samoie Ruto,” he added.
The outspoken lawyer also criticized opposition leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that Baba’s focus appears to be shifting toward continental leadership rather than another bid for the presidency.
Havi claimed that Raila’s insiders are tirelessly working to have him elected as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The new AUC chair will be elected at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2025.
Raila has not confirmed whether he intends to run for president again, but if elected AUC chair, his participation in the 2027 race would seem unlikely.
Havi noted that he would be on the ballot if Raila doesn’t want to vie for the presidency in 2027.
“You can see my cousin Baba’s other sons are quite determined to ensure that he’s saddled at the continental level instead of coming here. If Baba doesn’t want to do it some of us will do it,” Havi said.
Khalwale calls out Havi
Earlier, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale called out Havi over his indirect approach to addressing his presidential bid.
The exchange unfolded following a post by Havi, in which he cautioned Kenyans about the potential presidential candidacy of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
In a November 21, 2024 post, Havi suggested that Matiang’i could be a worse option than the incumbent, President William Ruto.
Havi declared that he would run for president in 2027 if former Chief Justice David Maraga declines the calls to contest for the country’s highest office.
“Kenyans, if we are not careful, Dr Fred Matiang’i may be the only alternative to Dr William Ruto in 2027, and he might be President. We would have moved from bad to worse. It is for that reason that if C J David Maraga rejects our passionate plea to run, I will volunteer my name,” Havi wrote on X.
Boni Khalwale reacted to Havi’s post in a tweet on November 23, 2024.
The Kakamega senator urged Havi to embrace boldness and declare his intentions without hesitation.
“My brother, why are u announcing ua presidential candidacy by beating around the bush? Come to Kidundu grounds and just say it!” Khalwale tweeted.
Nelson Havi’s initial foray into elective politics in 2022 resulted in a significant defeat.
The former LSK president vied for Westlands parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but was defeated by the incumbent Tim Wanyonyi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
