Suleiman Shahbal Defends Mombasa Governor Bid, Says Competence Must Drive Politics

MOMBASA — Businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Suleiman Shahbal has defended his decision to pursue the 2027 Mombasa governor’s race, saying his ambition is driven by a desire to promote competence and expertise in Kenyan politics.

Shahbal said poor leadership and a lack of competence had undermined integrity in government while limiting opportunities for qualified professionals to contribute their skills to the country's development.

His remarks come after President William Ruto publicly advised him against seeking the Mombasa governorship and instead encouraged him to concentrate on entrepreneurship.

Despite the President's position, Shahbal said he remained committed to his political ambitions and would not withdraw from the race.

“It is competent people who should be encouraged to go into government and to go into politics so that we can change this country,” Shahbal said during an interview with NTV on Monday.

“We will never change this country by just putting people there just because they are politically right.”

Shahbal Calls for Young People in Politics

The businessman said he wants to encourage more young Kenyans with professional expertise to seek political office, arguing that greater participation by competent young people could help address longstanding leadership challenges.

“It is time for competent young people to go into politics,” he said.

Shahbal acknowledged that aspiring politicians often face challenges such as a lack of established political structures and financial resources, but said those obstacles should not discourage qualified candidates from entering politics.

“Many of them will tell you we don’t have the structures, we have the structures, we don’t have the money, we will find the money, but we have to encourage young people to come into politics,” he said.

Criticism of Ruto's First Cabinet

Shahbal also criticised President Ruto's first Cabinet, arguing that the administration suffered because some individuals were appointed primarily because they were politically aligned rather than because of their competence.

“Look at the first cabinet the president came with; he brought in some really incompetent people who are politically right, and look at the mess they put him in,” he said.

His comments underline the central argument behind his campaign: that political loyalty should not outweigh professional qualifications when selecting leaders and public officials.

Ruto Urged Shahbal to Stay in Business

President Ruto had earlier asked Shahbal to abandon his plans to contest the Mombasa governor's seat and focus on his business interests.

Speaking on September 8 during the opening of Shahbal-owned Special Economic Zone, Ruto acknowledged the businessman’s entrepreneurial achievements while making clear that he did not support his gubernatorial ambitions.

“I told Shahbal that I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa. And I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother, Shahbal,” Ruto said.

The President described Shahbal as a successful entrepreneur with the business acumen, capacity and connections needed to undertake major investments.

“You are a great entrepreneur. It's not easy to come across people like you, who have the acumen, who have the capacity, who have the connection, who dare to do the kind of investments that are going on in this country,” Ruto said.

Shahbal Says Political Defiance Is Personal to His Bid

Despite the President's appeal, Shahbal has maintained that he is qualified to serve as Mombasa governor and intends to continue pursuing the position.

He has also sought to clarify that his decision to oppose Ruto's advice is driven by his political ambitions rather than a broader personal or political confrontation with the President.

The 2027 Mombasa governor's race is expected to attract significant attention as potential candidates position themselves ahead of the election. Shahbal's decision to remain in the contest sets up a potential political contest that could test alliances and competing visions for leadership in the coastal county.