Shahbal announces Mombasa governor bid, defies Ruto's advice to keep off politics

Shahbal, a current Member of Parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) said he was undeterred in his governorship bid in 2027. 

“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,” said Shahbal. 

The declaration follows President William Ruto's advice to the businessman to keep off politics. 

“Forgive me because I think Mombasa issues are more important than what you suggest,” Shahbal has now told Ruto. 

During the opening of Shahbal-owned Special Economic Zone on Tuesday, the President urged him to focus on entrepreneurship instead. 

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

However, the businessman has vowed to remain in the race, saying that only the wishes of God or the Mombasa people would keep him out of governorship. 

“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. 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 hinted at running on an independent ticket, citing previous denial of tickets by political parties. 

2027 would mark Shahbal’s third attempt at Mombasa governorship. 

In 2013, he made his first run for Mombasa Governor on a Wiper Democratic Party ticket, losing to Ali Hassan Joho and later losing an election petition in court. 

Come 2017, Shahbal contested for the seat a second time, on a Jubilee Party ticket, once again losing to Joho. 

During the 2022 elections, Shahbal sought the ODM nomination, but stepped down to support incumbent governor Abdulswamad Nassir.