Nelson Havi, Robert Alai trade online blows over claims of vacuum in ODM leadership

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has thrown jabs at Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai in a heated exchange on X.

The exchange comes after Alai criticised Havi's comments regarding the leadership vacuum within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.

Shut up, you gigantic parasite! https://t.co/ATt2kFsN0c

- Nelson Havi Ndung'u (@NelsonHavi) October 28, 2025

The row traces back to Havi's appearance on Citizen TV's Daybreak programme, where he weighed in on ODM's succession dilemma.

During the broadcast, Havi urged Edwin Sifuna, the party's secretary-general, to "mourn Raila Odinga but not hesitate to take over the leadership of ODM."

Havi argued that Raila Odinga, had long seen himself reflected in Sifuna and would have wanted him to take the reins immediately to safeguard the party's legacy.

According to Havi, any delay in leadership transition could fragment ODM along ethnic lines, echoing what he described as "the Luhya cultural tendency of power diffusion through indecision."

Alai, known for his vocal online presence and strong ties to ODM, swiftly countered Havi's remarks.

He dismissed Havi's comments as misguided and out of touch with the party's internal dynamics.

"ODM is not a briefcase law firm," Alai wrote, arguing that the party was built on strong structures capable of surviving its founder's passing.

His response gained considerable traction, sparking a heated online debate between supporters of both men.

However, Havi's reply was as sharp as it was personal.

The exchange reflects the deep tensions within Kenya's opposition movement as it grapples with Odinga's death and the uncertain future of ODM.

Odinga's passing has left a significant void in the country's political landscape, raising questions about who will carry forward his decades-long legacy of reform and resistance.

Just the other day Gloria Orwoba took on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, accusing her of attempting to position herself as the successor to the late opposition leader.

She questioned Wanga's recent public appearances and remarks, suggesting that the governor was too eager to step into Odinga's shoes barely days after his burial.

"Some people are going out of their way to hold press conferences to replace Raila," Orwoba declared, referring to Wanga's recent string of public addresses. "You're not going to replace Baba by calling press conferences."