Suleiman Shahbal Vows to Contest Mombasa Governor Seat With or Without ODM

Suleiman Shahbal has said he will contest the Mombasa governorship in 2027, regardless of whether he receives backing from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or any other established party.

The businessman and Member of the East African Legislative Assembly said he was ending his long association with ODM after accusing unnamed political figures of manipulating party structures and zoning arrangements to prevent him from contesting.

Mr Shahbal also rejected President William Ruto’s advice that he should leave politics and concentrate on his business interests. He suggested that the President’s comments had been influenced by people seeking to limit the number of candidates in the Mombasa race.

“Why can’t you allow the electorate to decide?” he asked, arguing that voters, rather than political leaders, should determine who leads the county.

His decision marks a departure from the 2022 election campaign, when he withdrew from the Mombasa governor’s race after pressure from senior political leaders and backed Abdulswamad Nassir, who went on to win the election.

Mr Shahbal now says that decision was a mistake and that it alienated some of his supporters. He has vowed not to withdraw from the race this time because of pressure from party officials or national political leaders.

“Only God and the Mombasa people will stop me,” he said.

His declaration came days after President Ruto urged him to remain in business, citing his contribution to investment and job creation. The President was speaking during the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement between Mr Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and DP World to develop a Special Economic Zone in Jomvu. The project is expected to create about 10,000 jobs.

Mr Ruto said Mr Shahbal’s business activities were more valuable to Kenya’s economic development than elective politics. He also warned that holding public office could expose the businessman to disputes with MCAs, demonstrations and public criticism.

Mr Shahbal said he respected the President’s position but disagreed with his advice. He argued that many politicians are also businesspeople and described political leadership as a “selfless act to work for the public”.

His departure from ODM leaves questions over how he will build a political base outside a party that has played a dominant role in Mombasa politics for more than a decade. Mr Shahbal has previously sought political office through Wiper and Jubilee. He now plans to launch a new party to support his 2027 campaign.

He has also ruled out taking up a Cabinet position, saying his priority is to transform Mombasa. Among his proposals is an annual allocation of Sh50 million to each ward for grassroots projects covering health, youth, women and security. He says the funding would help improve development at ward level.