Businessman and East African Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shahbal has rejected President William Ruto’s appeal to abandon his 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial ambitions, declaring he will remain on the ballot.
Shahbal said he respects Ruto as President and considers him a friend but insisted the interests of Mombasa residents outweigh the President’s wish for him to focus on business.
Speaking during a podcast on Wednesday, Shahbal said he had already made up his mind to seek the governor’s seat and would only withdraw if Mombasa residents rejected his candidature.
“President William Ruto is our leader, and I respect him a lot. He is my friend, but you will forgive me because of what I think about your thoughts. I think that the welfare of Mombasa residents is more important than what you want me to do,” Shahbal said.
He said there would be no retreat from his 2027 bid.
“Whether they like it or not, in 2027, there is no retreat, no about-turn; we shall meet on the ballot on August 10, 2027,” he said.
Shahbal said he would remain in the race until the end, citing his desire to bring change to Mombasa County.
He also alleged that politicians supporting his gubernatorial bid were being punished, particularly Members of County Assembly seeking party tickets.
“My friend, I am still in the race in 2027 whether they like it or not, unless two things happen: if God speaks or Mombasa residents say no, but I will be in the race until the end,” he said.
“Change must come. Mombasa is calling, and it is not only calling me alone but everyone. Let us unite to change Mombasa County.”
Shahbal’s remarks came a day after Ruto publicly urged him to reconsider his political ambitions and concentrate on business and investment.
The President spoke on Tuesday while witnessing the signing of a tripartite agreement between the County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa Free Zone Ltd and DP World for the development of the Sh12 billion Mombasa Special Economic Zone.
Ruto said Kenya needed more entrepreneurs and industrialists and argued that Shahbal could make a greater contribution to the country outside elective politics.
“I told Shahbal, I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa, and I told him I am against it; forgive me, my brother, you are a great entrepreneur,” Ruto said.
The President praised Shahbal’s business acumen, connections and capacity to invest, saying such qualities were needed to drive economic growth.
Ruto said Kenya already had many people willing to pursue politics but needed more people focused on investment and industrialisation.
“It is not easy to come across people like you, who have the acumen, who have the capacity, who have the connection, and courage to do the kind of investments that are going on in this country,” he said.
Ruto said his appeal was driven by his belief that Shahbal could make a significant contribution to Kenya’s economic development.
“I say this with tremendous respect to my brother Shahbal.
I told him, Shahbal, my friend, we need you in a different space; you can make a huge contribution to Kenya,” he said.
