When he sent home incumbent Raphael Tuju to win the Rarieda Parliamentary seat during the 2007 election, few had given Nicholas Gumbo a chance to have an impact in Luo Nyanza politics.
Tuju who was a key ally of retired President Mwai Kibaki in the run to that year's general election, had an impressive development record among all elected MPs.
His record, however, failed to prevent him from losing to a political novice, Gumbo and since then, Tuju has never recovered politically.
On the other hand, his nemesis had an illustrious 10 years as a lawmaker. His political journey, however, suffered a setback during the August 8, 2017 poll.
While contesting the position of Siaya Governor on an independent ticket, the 52-year old lost to the incumbent, Cornel Rasanga who had edged him during the ODM primaries to clinch the party ticket.
Engineer Gumbo cried foul, challenged Rasanga's win at the party disputes tribunal but the Raila Odinga led party upheld the incumbent's controversial win.
Campaigning against the dominant ODM party was a monumental task and Rasanga finally had his way come the August 8 contest.
Though he has challenged the win in Court and the ruling is due this month, it remains unclear what political future holds for the former Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman.
Is he the man to beat in the 2022 gubernatorial race? Assuming the court nullifies Rasanga's win, can he finally eclipse him in the by-election? Only time will tell.
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