Political discussions in Kenya continue to attract strong public attention as the country slowly moves toward the 2027 General Election. One of the platforms helping people understand these political changes is Political Ringside, a program that gives leaders and political figures space to explain their ideas, experiences, and future plans.
In a recent episode of the show, former UDA Executive Director Nashon Odanga Pessa spoke openly about his political journey, his departure from the ruling party, and his interest in serving the people of Kakamega through elective politics.
During the interview, Pessa reflected on how he joined UDA after serving as a constituency manager in Matungu. He explained that his work in grassroots politics helped him understand how political parties operate and how leaders connect with ordinary citizens.
According to him, joining UDA gave him an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the party while also working closely with President William Ruto’s political camp.
He described the experience as an important part of his political development and said he appreciated the chance he was given.
Pessa also addressed his exit from the party leadership position. He clarified that his departure was not caused by conflict or pressure from within the party.
Instead, he described it as a natural transition after the end of his term. He explained that politics is shaped by different interests and approaches, and he felt it was time for him to take a different direction.
While he still respects UDA and its leadership, he admitted that remaining in the same role might not have helped him achieve his long-term political goals.
The former UDA official used the interview to speak about the difficulties many young political strategists face after elections.
He noted that a large number of young people work tirelessly during campaigns, organizing rallies, mobilizing supporters, and helping parties win votes.
However, once elections are over, many of them are left out when appointments and opportunities are shared.
Pessa said political rewards often depend on the number of votes someone can directly influence rather than the behind-the-scenes work they contribute.
This reality, he explained, pushed him to think seriously about seeking an elective position where he could directly represent the people.
Pessa confirmed that he is now considering a bid for the Kakamega Senate seat in 2027. He said he believes leadership should begin with serving the community one comes from.
Since he was born and raised in Kakamega and has worked closely with residents over the years, he feels ready to represent them at the national level.
He praised current Senator Bonny Khalwale for remaining vocal on national matters, especially on issues related to corruption and accountability.
Even so, Pessa believes there is still room for stronger attention to local concerns affecting ordinary residents in Kakamega County.
He spoke at length about agriculture and development in the county. Kakamega is widely known for farming activities, especially sugarcane farming, but Pessa argued that farmers still face many struggles.
He said there is a need for policies that directly support farmers and create better opportunities for local communities. He also mentioned the importance of using local minerals and natural resources more effectively so that the county can benefit economically.
According to him, leaders should focus more on practical solutions that improve people’s daily lives rather than engaging in endless political battles.
Another issue raised during the interview was the relationship between county leaders. Pessa said senators and governors should work together instead of treating each other as political enemies.
He believes cooperation between leaders can help solve challenges faster and create better development programs. In his view, politics should not stop leaders from addressing the needs of the people they were elected to serve.
The discussion also touched on voter behavior in Kenya.
Pessa admitted that campaigns have become expensive because many voters expect money, gifts, or direct assistance before supporting candidates. He said this culture makes it difficult for some leaders to compete fairly.
Despite this challenge, he remains hopeful that voters in Kakamega can still judge leaders based on their character, ideas, and consistency over time. He believes people eventually recognize leaders who genuinely want to improve their lives.
Pessa emphasized that he has a vision for Kakamega and hopes to build leadership that listens closely to residents. He said meaningful leadership begins with understanding the struggles people face every day and finding practical ways to respond to them.
The conversation on Political Ringside not only highlighted Pessa’s personal political journey but also opened wider discussions about youth participation, political loyalty, and the future direction of Western Kenya politics.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, programs like Political Ringside continue to give Kenyans a chance to hear directly from leaders and better understand the changing political landscape in the country.
