Suleiman Shahbal defection to ODM jolts Joho's succession matrix

Politician Suleiman Shahbal addresses the press at PrideInn in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

For a long time, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir had portrayed himself as Mombasa governor Hassan Joho's heir apparent, especially due to his loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga. And many people viewed him as such.

Because of this, many believed Nassir would easily win the ODM ticket even as the country gears up for next year's General Election.