Why Ruto wants Shahbal out of the Mombasa governor race
A mega investment deal by Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has taken a political twist after President William Ruto openly moved to discourage him from pursuing the Mombasa gubernatorial position.
In an unusual intervention in a race expected to be closely watched in the 2027 elections, Dr Ruto said he had personally advised Mr Shahbal against seeking the county’s top seat.
He argued that the Coast businessman can serve Kenya better by creating jobs and investing in business than by joining elective politics.
“I remember telling Mr Shahbal that I know you want to run for Mombasa governor, and I told him I am against it. Forgive me, my brother, Shahbal, but you are a great entrepreneur,” Dr Ruto said.
The President was speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday during the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement between Mr Shahbal’s GulfCap Group and global logistics company DP World to develop a 535-acre Special Economic Zone in Jomvu.
“We have too many people who can be politicians, and I am one of them. It is not that politicians are less human beings. But this country cannot be grown by politicians alone. We need serious industrialists, serious investors and Kenyans who can do many things that can grow this country,” he said.
Dr Ruto went further, contrasting Mr Shahbal’s economic contribution with the challenges that come with running a county government.
“Look at what you are doing with this. It will get 10,000 people working. It is better than you going there and being troubled by MCAs, being shouted at, facing demonstrations and being abused,” he said.
The President’s remarks place Mr Shahbal’s return to the Mombasa gubernatorial race under a new political spotlight.
A few weeks ago, the businessman said that he would not withdraw his candidature this time, having stepped down in the 2022 contest in favour of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
His decision in 2022 came after interventions by former ODM leader Raila Odinga, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Mining CS Hassan Joho, who was the outgoing Mombasa governor and deputy ODM leader, among other influential political leaders.
“I will not step down this time. I will vie in a party that upholds democratic principles. Mombasa needs transformation, and I am ready to offer that leadership,” he said recently.
In an interview with the Nation earlier this week, Mr Shahbal reiterated that his move to partner with Mombasa County Government and DP World to invest in the multibillion economic zone should not be taken politically. This was after reports made the rounds that the deal might be used to discourage him from making another stab at the Mombasa governorship in 2027.
The businessman-cum-politician whose GulfCap company was behind the Buxton housing project is not a newcomer to the Mombasa gubernatorial contest. He has pursued the seat repeatedly over the years through different parties and built a political profile alongside his business interests.
His argument has consistently centred on the need for leadership capable of attracting investment, creating employment and transforming the local economy. However, those are also the qualities Dr Ruto praised while urging him to remain outside elective politics.
The Jomvu SEZ is expected to attract manufacturers, logistics companies and other investors while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is being positioned as a major industrial investment for Mombasa and part of efforts to exploit the county’s strategic location as Kenya’s gateway to the region.
The President pointed to the need for more Kenyan companies to take up major government contracts, arguing that local entrepreneurs should build firms capable of competing with international companies.
“We are looking for contractors who can take up jobs worth up to Sh20 billion to do our major projects. Today, many of our major projects are being done by Chinese companies, and we have tremendous respect for them because without them we would never have built some of the major infrastructure projects. But there is space for Kenyan entrepreneurs like Mr Shahbal to build major construction companies and develop serious financial capabilities,” the Head of State said.
The President did not, however, endorse any particular candidate for the Mombasa governorship. The emerging contest includes Mr Shahbal (ODM), UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar and the incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir (ODM).
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.