Makadara parliamentary aspirant Geoffrey Wauna, popularly known as Pedeshe, has said any political team seeking support in the constituency must prioritise residents’ interests, calling for leadership that protects people’s rights, empowers young people and women, and delivers meaningful development. Speaking during an interview with Kevin Waswa on Political Ringside, Wauna outlined the principles he believes should guide the political movement he supports ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wauna said political leadership should focus on improving the lives of ordinary people rather than serving the interests of a few individuals.
He maintained that residents should be at the centre of political decisions, with leaders expected to listen to their concerns and provide solutions to challenges affecting their daily lives.
He described the kind of political outfit he wants to associate with as one that puts the interests of the local mwananchi first, champions their rights, creates opportunities for young people and women, and remains committed to delivering meaningful development.
According to Wauna, political teams should understand the challenges facing communities and work towards turning residents’ expectations into tangible results.
“The people must always come first,” he said, emphasising that the needs of ordinary citizens should guide political decisions and leadership priorities.
Wauna outlines his expectations for political leadership
During the interview, Wauna explained that leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people rather than political popularity or the ability to mobilise supporters.
He argued that residents deserve leaders who remain accessible, understand their problems and are willing to address issues affecting their communities.
The Makadara aspirant also emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of residents regardless of their backgrounds, arguing that political leadership should not be influenced by tribal considerations.
His remarks come at a time when political activities are gradually gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several aspirants positioning themselves for elective seats across the country.
Youth and women empowerment among his priorities
Wauna also used the Political Ringside interview to explain some of the issues he believes require attention in Makadara, particularly youth unemployment and the economic challenges facing women operating small businesses.
He expressed concern about the political culture in which some young people depend on handouts from politicians during campaigns and political gatherings.
According to him, young people should instead be equipped with practical skills and opportunities that can help them become financially independent.
He pointed to vocational training, sports and small income-generating projects as some of the areas that could help address the challenges facing the youth.
Wauna also referenced a community football tournament he organised, saying sports activities provide an opportunity to engage young people, identify talent and encourage participation in community development.
On women’s empowerment, he spoke about the need to support small-scale traders, including mama mboga and women who earn a living through selling snacks such as mandazi.
He proposed establishing a fund that would help women operating small businesses access financial support to grow their enterprises.
He argued that public resources should be organised in a manner that ensures ordinary residents benefit from development programmes and economic empowerment initiatives.
Health facilities, roads and bursaries
Beyond economic empowerment, Wauna identified several service delivery issues he believes require attention in Makadara.
He pointed to healthcare facilities, road infrastructure, education support and sports facilities as some of the areas that should feature prominently in the constituency’s development agenda.
On roads, he said residents need infrastructure that can withstand heavy rainfall and improve movement within different parts of the constituency.
He also highlighted the importance of fair bursary allocation, arguing that deserving students should receive education support without discrimination.
Wauna further called for the improvement of sporting grounds to provide young people with suitable spaces to nurture their talents and participate in organised activities.
He maintained that development should be visible at the community level, with residents able to identify improvements in the services they depend on.
Wauna seeks to unseat George Aladwa
Wauna is seeking to become Makadara’s next Member of Parliament in the 2027 General Election, setting up a potential contest against incumbent MP George Aladwa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Aladwa was first elected to Parliament in 2017 and retained the seat during the 2022 General Election.
Wauna, who has previously described himself as someone born and raised in Nairobi, says his connection to the area has shaped his interest in representing its residents.
During his engagement with Political Ringside, he maintained that effective leadership should be judged by its ability to improve people’s living conditions.
Makadara, located within Nairobi City County, is a densely populated urban constituency where residents face various challenges associated with housing, unemployment, infrastructure and access to essential services.
These issues are likely to feature prominently in discussions surrounding the constituency’s political future as aspirants begin presenting their priorities to residents.
Linda Mwananchi features in his political message
Wauna’s remarks also highlighted his support for Linda Mwananchi, a political movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The movement has positioned itself around the interests of ordinary Kenyans, with its political messaging focusing on the cost of living, economic opportunities and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
During the interview, Wauna described the outfit as one that understands the struggles of ordinary people and should provide equal opportunities regardless of one’s tribal background.
The Linda Mwananchi name has also been undergoing formal political party processes, including efforts involving the transition of The Equitable Party into the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Wauna’s support for the movement comes as political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to take shape, with aspirants associating themselves with different political formations.
His message on Political Ringside ultimately centred on the need for a political team that listens to residents, protects their interests and prioritises development.
With the 2027 parliamentary contest approaching, Wauna will be seeking to convince Makadara residents that his vision and proposed priorities offer an alternative for the constituency.
