Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala will not vie for any political seat in the 2022 general elections.

Balala made the announcement on Wednesday saying he is not interested in politics.

His announcement came after reports emerged that he was gearing up to succeed Hassan Joho as the next governor of Mombasa county.

"My attention has been drawn to the recent media reports including in today's Standard newspaper headline story alledging that I will soon be resigning my present position as cabinet secretary minitsry of tourism and wildlife to vie for an unspecified political seat in the 2022 general elections". said Balala in a statement.

Adding" For avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically state that my focus is continue to serve the country in my current position".

Balala served as the Mvita Mp between 2007 to 2013 before losing to the current Mp Abdulswamad Nassir.

In 2017, Balala ran for the Mombasa senatorial seat through Jubilee coalition but lost to Mohammed Faki of ODM.