In a recent episode of Political Ringside, host Fridah Mong’are held a detailed conversation with Nashon Odanga Pessa, a former executive director of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where he opened up about his political journey, his departure from the ruling party, and his possible plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The interview gave viewers a closer look at the changing nature of politics in Kenya, especially in Western Kenya, where new political alignments continue to emerge as leaders prepare for the next election cycle.
During the discussion, Pessa spoke calmly and openly about his decision to leave UDA. He explained that working within a national political party comes with both opportunities and difficulties.
According to him, political parties are complex institutions that require constant balancing of personal beliefs, party interests, and public expectations.
While he avoided direct attacks on individuals, he admitted that internal party dynamics can sometimes make leaders reconsider their positions and future direction.
Pessa reflected on his years working within the Kenya Kwanza political structure and shared insights into how political organizations operate both at the national and grassroots levels.
He noted that many people who previously worked behind the scenes as strategists, mobilizers, or party officials are now seeking elective positions themselves.
In his view, this trend reflects the changing face of Kenyan politics, where experience gained within party systems is now being translated into direct political ambitions.
A major part of the conversation focused on Western Kenya, particularly Kakamega County, where Pessa expressed interest in contesting for the Senate seat in 2027. He said the region is entering a new political phase and that many residents are looking for leaders who can connect local concerns with national development agendas.
According to him, issues such as economic growth, youth empowerment, better services, and fair representation remain important to voters across the county.
He explained that building strong grassroots support is not easy, especially for someone transitioning from national party leadership into local elective politics.
Pessa said that people in Kakamega want leaders who understand their daily struggles and are willing to remain close to the community even after elections. He added that trust and consistency are becoming more important than political slogans.
The interview also touched on President William Ruto’s leadership and the performance of the current administration. Pessa offered balanced remarks, acknowledging some areas where progress has been made while also pointing out challenges that still need attention.
He stressed that political parties must remain connected to ordinary citizens if they hope to maintain support across different regions of the country.
Fridah Mong’are asked direct questions about whether UDA still has a strong future in Western Kenya and how political competition in the region may change before 2027.
In response, Pessa said the political landscape remains open and unpredictable. He observed that alliances continue to shift as leaders position themselves for future contests and as voters evaluate the promises made during previous campaigns.
Another key topic during the interview was the role of young people in leadership. Pessa encouraged more youth to participate actively in politics instead of remaining observers. He argued that younger leaders can introduce fresh thinking and practical solutions to long-standing problems affecting communities.
He reminded listeners that success in politics requires patience, planning, and commitment to public service.
The discussion went beyond one politician’s ambitions and raised wider questions about party loyalty, leadership transitions, and what voters should expect from those seeking public office.
Pessa made it clear that his interest in the Kakamega Senate race is based on a desire to serve at another level rather than frustration with his former party.
Conversations like the one on Political Ringside continue to shape public understanding of the country’s political direction.
The interview highlighted how political careers evolve and how leaders adjust to changing realities within parties and regions. Whether Nashon Pessa eventually enters the Senate race or chooses another path, his views reflect the debate currently taking place in Kenyan politics.
