Former LSK president Senior Counsel Nelson Havi has slammed the use of the honorific “Mheshimiwa,” saying he finds it insulting and prefers to be addressed simply by his name or professional title.
In a blunt statement, Havi said, “I do not like being called Mheshimiwa either on phone or in person. In fact, I hang up the phone or walk away if addressed that way. It sounds like mwizi wa miwa. I could be many things but certainly not a cane thief. Just call me Nelson, Havi, or Wakili.”
The lawyer added that if people insist on a grand title, he would accept Rais, President, or Senior Counsel—but nothing else.
Havi’s comments have sparked chatter online, with many applauding his candidness and others debating whether rejecting such titles is polite.
Known for his bold and outspoken style, Havi’s latest remarks reinforce his reputation as a no-nonsense figure in Kenyan legal and public life.
Whether in court, on the phone, or in public, Havi insists that respect should come from deeds and integrity—not honorifics.