Shahbal: My Mombasa governor bid isn't disrespect to Ruto
Suleiman Shahbal has publicly rejected President William Ruto's advice to abandon his 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial bid in favor of business. Shahbal maintains that he can pursue both his entrepreneurial goals and his political ambitions.
Why it matters
The disagreement highlights tensions between political leadership and the business elite in Kenya regarding the role of industrialists in governance.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shahbal has maintained that he will contest the Mombasa governor's seat in 2027 despite President William Ruto advising him to stay out of elective politics.
Shahbal said he respects Ruto as President, Commander-in-Chief and a friend but disagrees with the President's position on his political ambitions.
"I have a lot of respect for William Ruto. He's the President of the Republic of Kenya, Commander-in-Chief. He's a friend of mine," Shahbal said during an interview on NTV's Fixing the Nation on Monday.
He said disagreements were possible even between people with close relationships, adding that Ruto's advice would not change his decision to seek the Mombasa governorship.
"But, you know, sometimes even with your father you disagree. He gives you advice, you disagree," Shahbal said.
Shahbal said he was more concerned about the message sent when capable people were encouraged to remain outside politics.
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