Mombasa Tycoon Defies Ruto, Confirms Governor Bid for 2027

Businessman Suleiman Shahbal has confirmed that he will contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, defying President William Ruto’s public appeal for him to remain focused on business.

Shahbal made the declaration on Wednesday, September 9, a day after Ruto urged him to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions and focus on business.

“President William Ruto is our President, and he is someone I respect very much. He is my friend, but I am telling him, ‘Your Excellency, please forgive me. Because I believe the interests of Mombasa are more important than what you are saying we should do,” Shahbal stated.

Firm on his decision, Shahbal maintained that he would not withdraw from the contest despite calls for him to step aside.

“Let me tell you in no uncertain terms. In 2027, whether they like it or not, there will be no retreat, no about-turn. We will meet at the ballot on August 10, 2027. Regarding what happened, where an MCA was denied a ticket simply because he was associated with Shahbal, keep your ticket,” he said.

Referring to the 2022 political contest, Shahbal said he would not repeat his previous decision to step aside in favour of another candidate.

Shahbal Vows to Stay in Mombasa Race

He further identified two circumstances that could end his bid, pointing to the will of God or a rejection by Mombasa residents.

“My friend, I’m still in the race. In 2027, whether they like it or not, I’m in the race, unless two things happen. May God have His say, or the people of Mombasa say no. But Shahbal is in until the end. Change the base. Mombasa is calling, and it is not calling Shahbal alone. It is calling all of us, let us unite and transform Mombasa,” he said.

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The declaration places Shahbal among politicians seeking the Mombasa gubernatorial seat, including incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali and former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In the 2022 contest, Shahbal competed for the ODM ticket before eventually stepping aside in favour of incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Ruto Urged Him to Stay in Business

Ruto made his intervention on Tuesday, September 8, during a State House event in Nairobi, where he publicly addressed Shahbal’s political ambitions.

At the event, the President witnessed the signing of a Ksh 12 billion agreement between Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and DP World for the development of a 535-acre Special Economic Zone in Jomvu, Mombasa.

Also Read: Drama as Governor Lenku Lectured in Front of Ruto, Accused of Being Gachagua’s Mole 

Explaining his position, Ruto said he had personally advised Shahbal against seeking the county’s top seat, arguing that his business experience could make a greater contribution through investment and job creation.

“I remember telling Mr Shahbal that I know you want to run for Mombasa governor, and I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother, Shahbal, but you are a great entrepreneur,” Ruto said.

Beyond Shahbal’s political ambitions, Ruto argued that Kenya needed more industrialists and investors rather than relying on politicians to drive economic growth.

“This country cannot be grown by politicians alone. We need serious industrialists, serious investors and Kenyans who can do many things that can grow this country,” Ruto said.

Despite Ruto’s appeal, Shahbal has stated that he intends to remain in the Mombasa gubernatorial race until the 2027 election unless God or the people of Mombasa decide otherwise.

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A photo of Businessman and EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal during a past function. PHOTO/ Citizen Digital