Businessman Suleiman Shahbal has rejected President William Ruto’s advice to abandon his 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial ambitions and concentrate on private sector investments.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The renewed political stance comes after President Ruto publicly advised Shahbal to reconsider his plans and instead use his business experience to support economic development at the Statehouse in Nairobi on Tuesday, while presiding over the signing of a Ksh12 billion agreement for a Special Economic Zone in Jomvu.

In response, while speaking during an interview on Wednesday, September 9, Shahbal maintained that he remains firmly in the race, signaling that he intends to challenge for the Mombasa governor position despite Ruto’s position.

The businessman said Mombasa’s interests were more important to him, insisting that the 2027 contest would provide an opportunity for residents to determine their leadership.

📌 What You Need to Know

“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,” Shabal stated.

Shahbal further declared that he would not retreat from his gubernatorial ambitions, setting the stage for a potential political showdown in Mombasa.

“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 stated that only two circumstances could stop his bid: a decision by the Almighty or the rejection of his candidature by Mombasa residents.

Shahbal also called on residents to unite behind efforts to transform Mombasa, presenting his political ambitions as part of a wider push for change.

Earlier, President Ruto argued that Kenya needed more industrialists and job creators, suggesting that Shahbal could make a greater contribution through investment than elected politics.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke