Oburu Welcomes Gumbo Back to ODM as He Seeks to Unseat Orengo

Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo has declared his intention to run for the Siaya gubernatorial seat in 2027, setting the stage for a fierce political contest with incumbent Governor James Orengo.

Gumbo made the announcement during a rally in Siaya, where ODM Deputy Party Leader Oburu Oginga formally welcomed him back to the ODM months after he rejoined the party from the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

“There is one person from Siaya who has been out of our party for a while, though he was a founder member. He is called Nicholas Gumbo, and I want to welcome him to the party,” Oburu said as he handed Gumbo the ODM party cap, symbolising his return.

Gumbo had decamped to UDM in 2022 after losing in the ODM gubernatorial nominations.

He subsequently vied for the Siaya governor’s seat on a UDM ticket, with former police spokesperson Charles Owino as his running mate, but lost to Orengo in the August 2022 General Election.

Speaking after his official homecoming, Gumbo wasted no time in declaring his political ambitions.

“I want to announce today, through our party leader, come next year, God willing, I will run to be the governor of Siaya to redeem this county,” he said to cheers from supporters.

In a thinly veiled attack on the incumbent, Gumbo added: “Orengo bye-bye,” signalling his readiness to mount a spirited challenge against the veteran politician.

Gumbo described his return to ODM as a homecoming, noting that he was among the party’s founding members.

“It is good to be back home. I am a founder member of ODM, and I am so happy to be home. Thank you, party leader, thank you, deputy party leader and thank you, Madam Chair Lady,” he said.

He also called on party members to rally behind Oburu as he works to strengthen and unify the party in Siaya and beyond.

“Let us campaign to unite the party,” Gumbo urged, adding that internal cohesion would be key to ODM’s success in the next election cycle.

Oburu, in turn, signalled that the party was keen on consolidating its base ahead of 2027, saying ODM remains open to welcoming back leaders willing to work under its banner.

Gumbo’s declaration is expected to intensify early campaigns in Siaya County, with political alignments beginning to take shape well ahead of the 2027 polls.