Suleiman Shahbal has reaffirmed his intention to contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, despite President William Ruto publicly urging him to abandon his political ambitions and concentrate on business.
Speaking during an interview at his Mombasa home on Wednesday night, Shahbal said there would be no turning back on his decision to seek the county's top seat.
“In no uncertain terms, in August 2027, whether they like it or not, I will be on the ballot! Change Must Come,” Shahbal said.
His remarks came a day after Ruto publicly disclosed that he had advised Shahbal against running for governor, citing his success as an entrepreneur and his potential to contribute to the economy through investment and job creation.
The President made the comments at State House, Nairobi, during the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement between Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and DP World to develop a Special Economic Zone in Jomvu, Mombasa.
Ruto argued that Kenya needed more entrepreneurs and industrialists and suggested that Shahbal's experience in business could have a greater impact if he remained focused on investment rather than pursuing elective office.
“I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa, and I am against it,” Ruto said while praising Shahbal's entrepreneurial record.
Shahbal's response signals that the President's appeal has not altered his political plans ahead of the 2027 election.
The businessman has previously pursued the Mombasa governorship, making him a familiar figure in the county's political landscape. In 2022, he withdrew from the ODM gubernatorial nomination race and backed Abdulswamad Nassir, who eventually won the seat.
His renewed declaration could set the stage for another closely watched contest in Mombasa, where political alignments are expected to shift as the 2027 elections approach.
Shahbal's insistence that he will be on the ballot also places his political ambitions in contrast with Ruto's preferred approach, which appears to be encouraging him to use his business networks to attract investment to the Coast.
For now, Shahbal has made his position clear, signalling that his business commitments will not prevent him from pursuing the gubernatorial seat.