MOMBASA, Kenya — Businessman Suleiman Shahbal has rejected President William Ruto’s advice to abandon his bid for the Mombasa governorship in 2027 and instead focus on private-sector investment.
Shahbal said he would remain in the race despite Ruto publicly urging him to use his business experience to support economic development rather than pursue elective politics.
The exchange follows Ruto’s remarks at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, during the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement for a Special Economic Zone in Jomvu.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, September 9, Shahbal maintained that he had no intention of abandoning his gubernatorial ambitions.
Shahbal puts Mombasa interests first
Shahbal said he respected Ruto as President and regarded him as a friend but maintained that the interests of Mombasa should take priority in deciding his political future.
“President William Ruto is our president; he is someone I respect greatly. He is my friend. But Your Excellency, please forgive me for saying this, I believe the interests of Mombasa are more important than the course of action you are proposing,” Shahbal stated.
The businessman said the 2027 election would give Mombasa residents an opportunity to determine who should lead the county.
He insisted that he would not withdraw from the contest, setting up a potential three-way political contest involving himself, the incumbent and other aspirants.
‘There will be no retreat’
Shahbal was emphatic that he intended to proceed with his gubernatorial campaign.
“Let me tell you in no uncertain terms: come 2027, whether they like it or not, there will be no retreat. There will be no turning back. We will face off at the ballot box on August 10, 2027,” Shahbal added.
He said only two circumstances could prevent him from pursuing the seat: a decision by the Almighty or rejection of his candidature by the people of Mombasa.
Shahbal also called on Mombasa residents to unite behind efforts to transform the county, presenting his political ambitions as part of a broader push for change.
Ruto tells Shahbal to focus on investment
Ruto had earlier urged Shahbal to reconsider his plans to seek the governorship and instead concentrate on business and job creation.
The President said Kenya needed more industrialists and investors capable of contributing to economic growth.
“This country cannot be grown by politicians alone. We need many more people. We need serious industrialists. We need serious investors. We need Kenyans who can do many things that can grow this country.”
Ruto said he had made the same appeal directly to Shahbal.
“And I say this with tremendous respect to my brother Shahbal. Honestly, and I told him, Shahbal, my friend, please, you know, we need you in a different space,” the President said.
The President’s comments effectively placed his preference for Shahbal’s role in business rather than elective politics on the public record.
Ruto backs Broad-Based-aligned candidates
The disagreement comes as Ruto backs political figures aligned with the Broad-Based Government arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those positioning themselves for the Mombasa governorship is United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar, a former Mombasa Senator.
Omar is campaigning to challenge incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Both UDA and ODM are currently part of the Broad-Based Government arrangement, although their candidates are expected to compete for the Mombasa governorship.
