No retreat! Shahbal rejects Ruto’s plea to quit Mombasa governor race

A collage of President William Ruto and EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal / HANDOUT Businessman and East African Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shahbal has rejected President William Ruto’s appeal to abandon his 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial ambitions, declaring he will remain on the ballot.

Shahbal said he respects Ruto as President and considers him a friend but insisted the interests of Mombasa residents outweigh the President’s wish for him to focus on business.

Speaking during a podcast on Wednesday, Shahbal said he had already made up his mind to seek the governor’s seat and would only withdraw if Mombasa residents rejected his candidature.

“President William Ruto is our leader, and I respect him a lot. He is my friend, but you will forgive me because of what I think about your thoughts. I think that the welfare of Mombasa residents is more important than what you want me to do,” Shahbal said.