Mombasa: Tycoon Shahbal Rejects Ruto's Plea to Quit Governor Race, Says No Retreat

Drama has hit Mombasa politics after Suleiman Shahbal rejected President William Ruto's plea.

The Mombasa tycoon has refused to quit the 2027 governor race.

Speaking to NTV, Shahbal said Ruto is working with cartels in ODM who are against his bid.

He said Ruto told him politics is a dirty game. He disagreed with him.

"I respect President Ruto, but I disagree about 2027. We are not going to leave Mombasa to dunderheads," Shahbal said.

Shahbal said Kenyans should not recycle dunderheads. He wants clean people to run.

The Mombasa governor race has attracted big names. They include Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, Ali Mbogo and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Shahbal insisted he will not step down.