East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal has reiterated that he will contest the Mombasa governor’s seat in 2027, rejecting President William Ruto’s plea to withdraw from elective politics.
During an interview on NTV’s Fixing the Nation, Shahbal clarified that he holds immense respect for Ruto as president and personal friend but holds a firm disagreement regarding his political path.
“I have a lot of respect for William Ruto. He’s the President of the Republic of Kenya, Commander-in-Chief. He’s a friend of mine,” Shahbal said. “But, you know, sometimes even with your father you disagree. He gives you advice; you disagree.”
Shahbal raised concerns over the broader implication of telling qualified leaders to avoid political roles.
“So basically, you’re telling us, leave politics to those who are not really capable. I’m sorry. We will not,” he stated. He added, “So this is not like I’m attacking the President. I’m disagreeing with the President respectfully.”
Ruto publicly urged Shahbal to drop his gubernatorial ambitions during a September 8 event at State House, Nairobi. The occasion marked the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement between Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and DP World to develop the Mombasa Special Economic Zone in Jomvu. At the event, Ruto argued that Kenya needs major investors and industrial leaders more than it needs another politician.
Shahbal promptly rejected the advice the following day, noting that only Mombasa voters could decide his political trajectory. Soon after, he announced his departure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), citing expectations that the party would not issue him a ticket, and confirmed plans to launch a new political vehicle for the 2027 campaign.
He stressed that skilled, competent individuals must enter public service, referencing past governance mistakes caused by prioritizing political loyalty over capability.
“Look at the first Cabinet that the President came with; it brought in some really incompetent people who are politically right. And look at the mess they put him in,” Shahbal noted, urging capable young leaders in Mombasa to step up. “It is time for competent young people to come in.”
Revisiting his decision to step down ahead of the 2022 elections in favor of incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Shahbal explained that intense pressure from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga prompted his withdrawal. Although offered a national Cabinet role focusing on industrialization and investment, Shahbal remained committed to local governance in Mombasa.
Reflecting on that compromise, Shahbal expressed regret: “In retrospect, and you know, hindsight is always 20-20, in retrospect, I should have adamantly said, No, Baba, I’m sorry.”
He added that Raila later apologized to him during a meeting in Addis Ababa, acknowledging the mistake.
Shahbal’s stance sets up a competitive 2027 gubernatorial race in Mombasa, where Governor Abdulswamad Nassir faces emerging challenges from multiple figures, including UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar.
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