Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has defected from the ruling Jubilee Party and joined ODM.
While addressing residents of county 001 on Sunday, June 13, 2021, the 2017 gubernatorial aspirant announced his departure from Jubilee, stating that ODM was and has been his home.
Shahbal stated that he was forced to seek refuge in Jubilee after he lost to Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho during the ODM Party primaries ahead of the 2013 general elections.
In 2013, and 2017, the businessman unsuccessfully contested the Mombasa governorship losing both times to Governor Joho.
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"I was in ODM in 2013. I was pushed out by Joho, and forced to seek a new party. This time round, I have returned home," he said.
Shahbal has often expressed his desire to contest for the 2022 Mombasa governorship.
Since Joho is serving his second and final term, Shahbal is poised to battle for the party's ticket come 2022.
During his address, Shahbal reiterated that the party is determined to front former Prime Minister and ODM leader, Raila Odinga for presidency.
His sentiments may go against Governor Joho who applied to vie for the presidency on ODM's ticket.
Mombasa Gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal and President Uhuru Kenyatta. |Photo| Courtesy|
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