When Nicholas Gumbo announced his intention to succeed Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga in the 2017 general elections, it was received by mixed reactions among the people of Siaya.
Gumbo who was the Member of Parliament for Rarieda chose not to defend the Rarieda parliamentary seat and went ahead to contest the gubernatorial with the then governor Cornel Rasanga.
He narrowly lost to Rasanga and subsequently lost the election petition he had filed thereafter.
With the clock to 2022 ticking, Gumbo is perhaps the most appropriate politician to replace governor Rasanga who is doing his last term.
Siaya being the home turf of ODM leader Raila Odinga who is the kingpin of Luo politics, it would be a huge political advantage for him to seek Raila's endorsement as far as succession is concerned.
This is because Siaya residents believe in Raila so much that their political decisions are in many times determined by Raila’s actions and advice.
I believe that the former Rarieda lawmaker can easily grab the Siaya gubernatorial position if he resurrects his loyalty to Raila and the ODM family.
The narrow margin with which he lost the last election to Rasanga means that he has a large support base within the county of which Raila's endorsement would increase and further weaken probable rivals.
The outspoken former lawmaker who chaired the parliamentary accounts committee in the last parliament is undoubtedly the man to win in Siaya come 2022 gubernatorial race, however, if Raila endorses somebody else, it is going to be tough for him.
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