Lawyer Nelson Havi has once again ignited public debate, not through court battles or political rallies, but by firmly rejecting the honorific “Mheshimiwa” often used to address politicians in Kenya.
In a candid and characteristically blunt statement, Havi warned supporters against referring to him as “Honourable,” saying he finds the title both misleading and distasteful.
“I do not like being called Mheshimiwa either on phone or in person. In fact, I hung up the phone and dissociate if in person,” Havi stated. He went further to mock the term, adding that it “sounds like mwizi wa miwa.” “I could be many things but for a fact not a cane thief. Just call me Nelson, Havi or Wakili. If you must pontificate, call me Rais, President or Senior Counsel,” he said.
Havi’s remarks reflect his unconventional political posture and long-standing disdain for Kenya’s political culture, which he often accuses of glorifying titles rather than service. A former President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Havi rose to national prominence through his fierce defense of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and professional independence during his tenure. His leadership at LSK was marked by frequent confrontations with the Executive and vocal criticism of what he termed state capture of institutions.
Politically, Havi has been viewed as an emerging force, particularly in Western Kenya, where his name has been floated in gubernatorial and national leadership conversations. While he has not consistently anchored himself to one political party, his rhetoric positions him as a reformist outsider who prefers principle over populism.
By rejecting the “Mheshimiwa” label, Havi is sending a broader message about leadership and accountability. To him, authority should come from integrity and service, not ceremonial titles. Whether admired or controversial, Nelson Havi continues to stand out as a lawyer-politician determined to define leadership on his own terms.