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Businessman Suleiman Shahbal addressing journalists in Mombasa at a past event.
The rekindled camaraderie between Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and East Africa Legislative Assembly (Eala) MP Suleiman Shahbal has signalled a strategic political shift that could reshape the 2027 gubernatorial contest in Mombasa County.
Mr Joho has lately been walking side by side with Mr Shahbal in what is perceived to be a political pact. The two have attended several functions together, including in the North Eastern region, Lamu, Tana River, among others.
But it was not until Saturday, February 28, when CS Joho declared his support for the businessman, who will be contesting the gubernatorial seat for the third time, that the motive of their journeys started to unfold openly.
“This time round, I want to tell you that if Mr Shahbal has decided, I have equally decided. He is a good orator, he has the resources, he is street-smart and he has political experience,” Mr Joho said.
On Saturday night, the two had attended a fundraising event for the Mombasa United Football Club, which was founded by Mr Shahbal in 2021 at the height of the General Election campaigns.
Mr Joho and his brother, Abu Joho, have so far been supporting their longtime friend, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. The two brothers wield influence in Mombasa politics.
In 2022, Mr Shahbal was persuaded by ODM leaders led by the late Raila Odinga to drop out of the gubernatorial race in support of Mr Nassir. The proposal was supported by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta who was a co-principal of the Azimio coalition.
Once political rivals in previous gubernatorial races, the Joho–Shahbal rapprochement suggests broader realignment dynamics as local actors recalibrate alliances ahead of 2027.
In a recent interview with the Nation, Mr Shahbal revealed that he would vie again.
“Why not?” he posed when pressed further on his future political ambitions.
He later met Luo professionals in Mombasa, where he publicly declared his intentions. He also asked Mombasa voters to forgive him for stepping down in favour of Mr Nassir in 2022.
The Eala MP explained the circumstances that led to his withdrawal from the 2022 gubernatorial race.
“I know many of my supporters were very angry when I withdrew from that race. But today I want to tell them one thing: our final campaign rally was at Tononoka and we were far ahead of my opponents,” said Mr Shahbal.
Mr Shahbal, who was eyeing the ODM ticket against Mr Nassir, then the Mvita MP, said he was summoned to Nairobi by the party and briefed about his popularity ratings.
He claimed he was informed his popularity stood at 45 per cent, behind his opponent, despite conducting his own private survey which showed him leading by 22 per cent.
“I said there was no problem — let’s go for nominations. But I was told many things. I stood my ground: let’s go to the primaries like men. I was told the nominations would divide the party, but I insisted,” he said.
He maintained that he would have accepted the nomination results and supported the winner.
“We agreed to invite Mr Odinga to hear his position. All Mombasa leaders were present. Baba came, took me aside and brought me into Mr Joho’s house. He told me he wanted me to venture into national politics and take up the position of Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation,” he said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga (center) holding hands with Abdulswamad Shariff (left) and Suleiman Shahbal at Orange house on April 15, 2022 after Raila brokered a deal between the two that will see Abdulswamad contesting the Mombasa gubernatorial seat during the August General Elections.
However, Mr Shahbal said he declined, insisting that his ambition was to become governor and transform Mombasa County. He said he asked the party leader to respect his position, but Mr Odinga became angry.
The businessman said Mr Odinga told him that the nation was bigger than his personal ambition.
“What more could I say after being told that? Then the phone rang and he handed it to me. It was former President Kenyatta urging me to follow Mr Odinga’s decision. I don’t know how many people have had the chance to speak with the President. President Kenyatta was my friend even before he became President, just like Dr William Ruto. You don’t joke with the presidency,” he said.
Mr Shahbla explained that he was at a crossroads after speaking with President Kenyatta.
“The pressure I experienced is known only to God. But let’s leave the past behind and focus on healing and the future,” he said.
The race to succeed Governor Nassir, who is serving his first term, has gathered steam with early campaigns that have only taken a pause this month because of Ramadhan. The governor is banking on reelection on the basis of contributions to the education sector, health, water and sanitation.
However, his critics argue that most of the crucial sectors have become worse under his tenure, as businesses and residents decry increased levies.
In the ruling UDA party, former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo is expected to battle for the ticket against Secretary General Hassan Omar.
The united opposition led by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has thrown its weight behind Nyali MP Mohamed Ali. The legislator is the only UDA MP in Mombasa, where all the other five MPs, Senator, Woman Representative and majority Members of the County Assembly are ODM members but fell out with his party.
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