Ardent supporters of Mombasa-based business mogul Suleiman Shahbal have called on him to consider running for the Mombasa county gubernatorial seat on an Independent ticket.
The residents, who made emotive speeches during a town-hall meeting with the ODM politician, faulted ODM leader Raila Odinga for 'selecting' a candidate for them in the gubernatorial race.
They claimed that by settling on Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir as ODM's candidate, Raila had handed the county to cartels and families that have held the coastal county captive for years.
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On his side, the businessman did not make clear his next course of action. Shahbal stated that the meeting was solely organized to thank his supporters for standing with him in his political journey and to explain to them why he dropped his bid.
"I met with my ardent supporters and explained to them the reasons behind the decision I took over my gubernatorial bid. Once again, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all my supporters for standing with me since we started this journey 12 years ago. In the race to excellence, there is no finishing line," he posted.
Shahbal, who recently dropped out of the race after holding talks with Abdulswamad, was set to make his third stab at the gubernatorial seat.
During a presser that was held after the talks, which were presided over by Raila and Joho, Shahbal vowed to back Abdulswamad's candidature and to campaign for him.
