Images 57 2
Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has revealed details of a high-stakes meeting at former Governor Hassan Joho’s residence in 2022 that ultimately led him to step aside and support Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.
Shahbal disclosed that the meeting presented circumstances forcing him to choose between pursuing his campaign for Mombasa governor and backing Raila Odinga’s national presidential bid.
Speaking during a recent interview, Shahbal recalled arriving at Joho’s house determined to secure the Orange Democratic Movement ticket against Nassir.
However, the dynamic shifted when Odinga arrived, took him aside to an upper floor, and urged him to forego the local contest to join the national campaign team.
When Shahbal inquired about potential government roles, including a cabinet slot focused on industrialization and investment, Odinga emphasized that national interests must take precedence over personal political ambitions.
The pressure intensified during the encounter when a phone call came in from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, who reinforced the request for Shahbal to step down in favor of a unified opposition strategy.
Facing coordinated persuasion from top leaders, Shahbal agreed to withdraw from the primary on April 15, 2022, handing the ticket to Nassir.
Shahbal described the decision as deeply painful, acknowledging the disappointment felt by supporters who had invested their dreams and resources into his platform.
He noted that while he initially regretted bowing out of the race, the experience provided valuable political lessons.
Reflecting on the past as he prepares for another gubernatorial bid in 2027, Shahbal reaffirmed his determination to move forward, stating that past compromises would not deter his current focus on leading Mombasa County.
About The Author
