RARIEDA: Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo has appealed to ODM leader Raila Odinga to endorse him as the next Siaya governor after James Orengo’s term.

Speaking during the burial of the first Rarieda MP, Bob Jalang’o, Gumbo said Odinga’s blessing was the only hurdle between him and the county’s top seat. He claimed he was best placed to succeed Orengo, who has recently faced criticism over his performance as governor.

“I beseech you to bless me so that I become the next county boss,” Gumbo told mourners, adding that as chair of the Kenya Sugar Board, he has already secured interest from five investors willing to establish sugar mills in Siaya.

Gumbo has twice contested the governorship, losing to former governor Cornel Rasanga in 2017 and to Orengo in 2022.

However, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo dismissed Gumbo’s plea, noting that Odinga is ODM’s party leader and unlikely to back a non-member. “For Odinga to bless you to become the governor, you must first come and join ODM,” Amollo said.

“If you have the five investors, just bring them, coordinate with the sitting governor and have development projects; you don’t need to wait to be the governor,” he added.