Mombasa politician and businessman Suleiman Shahbal has confirmed that he will seek the Mombasa governorship in the 2027 General Election, despite advice from President William Ruto that he should focus on his business interests.
Shahbal, who currently serves as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), said he remains committed to the race and has no plans to withdraw.
Speaking after the opening of his Special Economic Zone on Tuesday, he made it clear that his decision to contest the seat had already been made.
“Let me tell you in no uncertain terms. In 2027, whether they like it or not, there is no retreat. There is no backing down,” Shahbal said.
His declaration came shortly after President Ruto publicly advised him to stay away from politics and concentrate on entrepreneurship.
The President praised Shahbal for his investments and business skills, saying the businessman had the capacity and connections to make a major contribution to the country through entrepreneurship.
“I told Shaban that I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa. And I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother, Shaban. You are a great entrepreneur. It’s not easy to come across people like you, who have the acumen, who have the capacity, who have the connection, who dare to do the kind of investments that are going on in this country,” Ruto said.
Shahbal, however, responded by saying that his political ambitions were driven by what he considers to be the needs of Mombasa residents.
“Forgive me because I think Mombasa issues are more important than what you suggest,” he said.
The businessman added that only God or the people of Mombasa could stop him from pursuing the seat.“My friend, I’m still in the race. Okay? 2027, whether they like it or not, I am in the race unless two things happen: Almighty God decides otherwise, or the people of Mombasa say no. But Shahbal is in it until the end.
Change must come. Mombasa is calling, and it’s not calling Shahbal alone. It’s calling all of us,” he said.
Shahbal also hinted that he could seek the governor’s seat as an independent candidate, pointing to his previous experiences with political parties and nominations.
The 2027 election will be Shahbal’s third attempt at becoming Mombasa governor. He first contested in 2013 on a Wiper Democratic Party ticket but lost to Ali Hassan Joho. His election petition was later unsuccessful.In 2017, Shahbal returned to the race under the Jubilee Party but again lost to Joho.
In 2022, he sought the ODM nomination but eventually stepped aside and backed incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
