President William Ruto may have wanted Suleiman Shahbal to stay out of the 2027 Mombasa governor race, but the businessman has now openly rejected the President’s advice, declaring that he will pursue the county’s top seat “whether they like it or not.”
Mombasa businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Suleiman Shahbal has declared his intention to contest the governorship in 2027 despite Ruto publicly advising him against the move.
Shahbal said he would not be deterred from pursuing the county’s top seat, setting the stage for a potentially bruising political contest at the Coast.
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 days after Ruto revealed that he had advised Shahbal not to seek the governorship, arguing that the businessman could make a greater contribution through investment, job creation and entrepreneurship.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, during the signing of an agreement between Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and global logistics company DP World for the development of a 535-acre Special Economic Zone in Jomvu, Mombasa. The project is valued at Sh12 billion.
I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa, and I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother Shahbal, but you are a great entrepreneur,” Ruto said.
The President praised Shahbal’s business acumen, networks and investment ambitions, arguing that Kenya needed more entrepreneurs capable of creating employment.
We have too many people who can be politicians,” Ruto said, urging Shahbal to concentrate on his investments instead.
Ruto cited the planned Mombasa Special Economic Zone as an example, saying the project could create thousands of jobs and have a greater impact than Shahbal holding elective office.
Look at what you are doing with this, it will create more jobs for 10,000 people. It’s better than you going there, being harassed by MCAs, being shouted at, and being subjected to demonstrations,” the President said.
But Shahbal made it clear that he was not taking the advice.
Forgive me because I think Mombasa issues are more important than what you suggest,” he said in response to the President.
Shahbal is no stranger to Mombasa’s gubernatorial politics, having previously contested the seat and maintained his interest in leading the county.
His latest declaration could shake up political calculations in Mombasa as potential candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The businessman has continued to link his political ambitions to his development agenda for the Coast, while his partnership with DP World has placed him at the centre of a major investment project expected to boost industrial and economic activity in Mombasa.
