Businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal has pushed back against President William Ruto’s call for him to abandon his political ambitions, declaring that his drive to bring professional competence to public governance will keep him firmly in the 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial race.

Speaking during an interview with NTV, Shahbal clarified that his defiance is not an act of hostility toward the Head of State, but a fundamental disagreement on the quality of leadership Kenya needs.

“I have a lot of respect for William Ruto. He’s a friend of mine. But, you know, sometimes even with your father you disagree. So basically, you’re telling us, leave politics to those who are not really capable? I’m sorry. We will not,” Shahbal stated.

The President had publicly urged the tycoon to step away from elective politics during the signing of a Sh12 billion investment agreement for the Mombasa Special Economic Zone, advising him to concentrate strictly on business and job creation.

However, Shahbal argued that shielding competent corporate leaders from governance hurts the nation, pointing to early missteps in the administration’s executive appointments as proof.

“Look at the first Cabinet the President came with; he brought in some really incompetent people who are politically right, and look at the mess they put him in,” Shahbal argued.

“It is competent people who should be encouraged to go into government and to go into politics so that we can change this country.”

The EALA lawmaker revealed he plans to mobilize structures and financial backing for young, skilled candidates seeking political office to fix Kenya’s long-standing leadership deficit.

Asserting that his campaign will run to the finish line, Shahbal declared: “In 2027, whether they like it or not, we will meet at the ballot. Only God and the people of Mombasa can stop me.”