Suleiman Shahbal Declares 2027 Mombasa Governorship Bid, Defies Ruto’s Advice

MOMBASA, Kenya — Mombasa politician and businessman Suleiman Shahbal has reaffirmed his intention to contest the Mombasa governor’s seat in the 2027 General Election, saying he will not be deterred from pursuing the position.

Shahbal, who currently serves as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), made the declaration days after President William Ruto advised him to focus on business rather than seek elective office.

“Let me tell you in no uncertain terms. In 2027, whether they like it or not, there is no retreat. There is no backing down,” Shahbal said.

Shahbal Rejects Ruto’s Advice

The politician’s declaration came after Ruto urged him to reconsider his governorship ambitions during the opening of Shahbal’s Special Economic Zone on Tuesday.

Ruto acknowledged Shahbal’s entrepreneurial achievements but said he was opposed to his plan to run for governor.

“I told Shahbal that I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa. And I told him I am against it,” Ruto said, while praising the businessman for his investment and entrepreneurial abilities.

The President described Shahbal as a businessman with the capacity, connections and determination to undertake major investments in Kenya.

Shahbal, however, said the interests of Mombasa residents remained more important to him than the President’s advice.

“Forgive me because I think Mombasa issues are more important than what you suggest,” he said.

‘I’m Still in the Race’

Shahbal insisted that he would remain in the race unless God or the people of Mombasa decided otherwise.

“My friend, I'm still in the race. Okay? 2027, whether they like it or not, I am in the race unless two things happen: Almighty God decides otherwise, or the people of Mombasa say no,” he said.

He added that his ambition was part of a broader call for change in Mombasa.

“But Shahbal is in it until the end. Change must come. Mombasa is calling, and it's not calling Shahbal alone. It's calling all of us,” he said.

The businessman also hinted that he could contest as an independent candidate, citing previous experiences in which he failed to secure preferred political party tickets.

Third Attempt at Governor’s Seat

The 2027 election would mark Shahbal’s third attempt to become Mombasa governor.

He first contested the position in 2013 on a Wiper Democratic Party ticket, where he lost to then-incumbent governor-elect Hassan Ali Joho. Shahbal later challenged the election outcome in court but lost the petition.

In 2017, Shahbal made another attempt, this time seeking the governor’s seat on a Jubilee Party ticket. He again lost to Joho.

Ahead of the 2022 General Election, Shahbal sought the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for governor but eventually stepped aside and backed incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

With Shahbal now openly declaring his 2027 ambitions, the Mombasa governor’s race is set for an early political contest, with alliances, party nominations and possible independent bids likely to shape the race in the coming months.