East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) lawmaker Suleiman Shahbal has rejected President William Ruto’s appeal to abandon his bid for the Mombasa governorship, insisting he will face his opponents at the ballot in the 2027 General Election.
Shahbal said his commitment to the people of Mombasa outweighed the President’s request, declaring that only God or voters in the coastal county could stop him from contesting.
“President William Ruto, I respect you so much, but Your Excellency, please forgive me because I disagree with what you are proposing,” Shahbal said in a video shared on his social media platforms.
In no uncertain terms, in August 2027 whether they like it or not, I will be on the ballot! Change Must Come! pic.twitter.com/dsukUVXOf5
— Suleiman Shahbal (@SuleimanShahbal) September 9, 2026
“The needs of the people of Mombasa are more important. Let me tell you, in no uncertain terms, we shall meet on the ballot on the 10th of August 2027.”
Shahbal also ruled out being deterred by party nomination politics, saying he would remain in the race regardless of whether he secured the backing of a major political party.
“Whatever happened in previous elections, that members were denied party tickets, we don’t need them now. I’m still in the race, whether they like it or not. Only God or the people of Mombasa can stop it. Change is coming,” he said.
His declaration came after Ruto publicly urged him to abandon his political ambitions and focus on his business interests.
The President made the remarks at State House, Nairobi, during the signing of a Sh12 billion ($78 million) investment deal between Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and global logistics company DP World.
While praising Shahbal’s achievements as an entrepreneur, Ruto said he opposed his decision to seek the Mombasa governorship, arguing that the businessman could contribute more to the economy by creating jobs.
“I know you want to run for governor in Mombasa, and I told him I am against it,” Ruto said during the event.
“Forgive me, my brother, but you are a great entrepreneur. We have too many people who can be politicians, and I am one of them. This country cannot be grown by politicians alone.”
Shahbal’s decision to press ahead with his bid revives memories of the 2022 gubernatorial contest, when political negotiations within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) saw him step aside in favour of the current governor, Abdulswamad Nassir.
Nassir went on to win the election and is now expected to seek a second term in office.
Shahbal’s latest declaration now sets the stage for one of the most closely watched battles for Mombasa’s top seat in 2027.