They both joined elective politics in 2007 and with ODM leader Raila Odinga as their political mentor, Suba South MP John Mbadi, and former Rarieda lawmaker forged close relationships after sending home incumbents. Five years later, they were overwhelmingly reelected. But times change. The duo is now 'sworn political enemies'. So what happened?
In 2014, John Mbadi was named the Chairman of the giant ODM party. On the other hand, though he never held any position in the party, Gumbo remained a powerful figure within the Orange party.
After the parliamentary watchdog Committee, PAC was disbanded amid corruption allegations against the committee members, a new team was assembled to steady the sinking ship. And owing to his party position, Mbadi was ODM's preferred choice for the chairman position. However, it is claimed that Gumbo bulldozed his way and eclipsed the ODM chairman to win the prestigious position. And that marked the beginning of the duo's never-ending feud.
The two were on each other's neck for the better part of 2016 even as their relationship hit an all-time low. They continuously fired verbal grenades at each other. At one point, Mbadi accused Gumbo of insulting his wife who is not blessed with a child. The PAC chairman reportedly apologized.
It is widely claimed that the feud between ODM's political bigwigs cost Gumbo in his ambition for Siaya Governor as he failed to secure the party ticket. But even as their feud drags on, Raila, the man who introduced them to politics, has kept off their war. Will he intervene in future?