Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi has disclosed that internal disagreements within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) pushed him to abandon plans to join the party soon after quitting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Havi made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Citizen TV, where he explained that senior ODM leaders had expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
Havi, who resigned from UDA on November 7, said his initial intention was to cross over to ODM but reconsidered after assessing what he described as a troubled leadership environment.
He pointed to Senators Okongo Omogeni and James Orengo, as well as ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, as leaders who have recently aired concerns about the party’s internal affairs.
According to Havi, the discontent raised questions about the stability of the outfit he was preparing to join.
He told the station that the ODM he admired in earlier years was shaped by the same leaders who now appear unsettled.
Havi said this shift made it difficult for him to proceed with the plan, especially when consulting residents of Westlands, who expect clarity on the political path he takes.
“They are dissatisfied; they are not happy. It speaks a lot,” he said, referring to the ODM officials he named.
His comments come at a time when ODM has been navigating internal debates about its future ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party, a key pillar in Kenya’s opposition politics since the 2007–2008 post-election period, has been restructuring its leadership and reviewing its grassroots networks.
Public expressions of dissatisfaction from top figures have raised speculation on possible realignments within the party.
Havi’s departure from UDA also added to ongoing shifts within the ruling coalition.
Several politicians have recently distanced themselves from UDA over ideological disagreements or local political considerations, suggesting that both coalitions are entering a period of repositioning.
He said consultations are still ongoing and that he will make a formal declaration once he reaches a final decision.