Mombasa businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal has firmly declared that he will contest for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, despite President William Ruto urging him to abandon the race and concentrate on business.

Speaking during a joint media interview with local radio stations in Mombasa, Shahbal said his political ambitions were driven by what he described as the interests of the people of Mombasa.

"President William Ruto, you are my friend and I respect you, but Your Excellency, you will have to forgive me because the interests of the people of Mombasa come first,” Shahbal said.

Shahbal said he would be on the ballot in 2027, making it clear that the President's appeal would not change his decision to seek the county's top seat.

"2027, whether they like it or not, I will be on the ballot for Mombasa Governor,” he declared.

The announcement comes just days after President Ruto publicly said he had advised Shahbal against running for governor, arguing that his experience as a businessman and investor could make a greater contribution to Mombasa and the country through investment, industrialisation and job creation.

But Shahbal maintained that his priority was transforming Mombasa and said he was ready to take on the political challenge.

"We must transform Mombasa. The people of Mombasa deserve better, and that is why I have decided to offer myself for the governorship,” he said.

Shahbal also sought to reassure politicians and aspirants who may want to work with him, saying past political divisions would not be repeated.

He alleged that in previous political contests, some aspirants were denied party tickets because of their association with him, but promised that such circumstances would not recur if he takes charge of the political process.

“What happened in the past, where some aspirants were denied party tickets simply because they were on my side, will not happen again,” Shahbal said.

His declaration is expected to reshape the political landscape in Mombasa ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as the race begins to attract heightened attention from national political players.

Shahbal has previously contested the Mombasa governorship and has remained a prominent figure in Coast politics and business. His latest declaration sets the stage for another closely watched gubernatorial contest in the county.