Shahbal flip-flops in race to succeed Joho
Businessman Suleiman Shahbal addressing journalists in Mombasa at a past event.
What you need to know:
- Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has been eyeing political seats for as long as many locals recall.
- Mr Shahbal’s was recently endorsed by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to contest the governor position.
For a politician, positioning oneself with the right party coupled with a good bank account before gunning for a seat should be top priority.
In the Coast, the party one chooses is probably the most important thing.
Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has been eyeing political seats for as long as many locals recall.
Now the tycoon is flip flopping as he positions himself to succeed foe-turned-friend Ali Hassan Joho, the incumbent Mombasa governor.
Mr Shahbal’s was recently endorsed by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to contest the governor position.
“There is another leader here you need to see. My brother Shahbal is the next governor of Mombasa and will win unopposed,” Mr Kalonzo said in Gulshan Mombasa during his tour of the Coast as Mr Shahbal emerged from one of the vehicles that was part of his convoy.
Several meetings
The endorsement by Mr Musyoka left tongues wagging since Mr Shahbal had been seen leaning towards Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in the recent past.
Mr Shahbal has had several meetings with Mr Odinga in what he said was as a result of the March 2018 handshake between the ODM chief and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The KenTrade chairman contested the seat in 2013 and 2017 on Wiper and Jubilee respectively and lost.
Before his public appearances with Mr Odinga, the businessman had become close to Governor Joho.
The two worked together on different projects when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Their found friendship sparked a succession debate with the governor, however, refusing to give comments. Mr Joho has shown preference for Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir as his successor.
Political position
The governor reiterated his support for Mr Nassir when the two visited Tudor on Monday.
“I know this man has not told you that he will be going for the governor’s seat as I head for the presidency,” Mr Joho said.
On several occasions earlier, Mr Joho said he would leave the people of Mombasa in the hands of Mr Nassir.
“I am proud to have Abdulswamad as my MP. The other day he reminded me how far we have come but I want to assure him that we will still move far politically,” he once said.
Observers say support by Mr Joho will go a long way to anyone gunning for a political position.
