Home » Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant’s key ally joins William Ruto

Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant’s key ally joins William Ruto

by Nderi Caren

Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has been dealt a blow after one of his key allies joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp.

After supporting Shahbal for the last 10 years Miraj Abdillahi defected to William Ruto’s camp, which will be her political vehicle in the 2022 General Election.

Miraj expressed dissatisfaction with Shabal after he could not assure her of his support for the Mombasa Woman Representative seat bid.

Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has been dealt a blow after one of his key allies joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp.
Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has been dealt a blow after one of his key allies joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp. Photo: Suleiman Shabhal/Twitter.

Before her defection, Miraj was displeased with Suleiman Shahbal’s decision to ditch the Jubilee Party in June 2021.

“I have decided to part ways with Shahbal after more than 10 years working for him because he did not support my bid for Mombasa women rep.

“I have decided to join United Democratic Alliance (UDA) because I feel it stands with the poor masses in the country,” Miraj Abdillahi said.

In his response, the Mombasa ODM gubernatorial aspirant welcomed the decision by his long-term friend to join the opposite camp.

Shahbal said that their years of friendship will not be affected by her political decision, urging Mombasa residents not to discredit Miraj’s projects.

“I urge my supporters not to attack her or discredit her on social media. Her work at Buxton Point is her job and her new political affiliation has no impact on her work status. We must all learn to respect our political views. After all, isn’t this our democratic right?” Shahbal wrote in a social media post.

The defection is a blow to Suleiman Shahbal who is on a tight race to succeed Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

In the ODM party, Shahbal is set to battle for the gubernatorial ticket with Joho’s deputy William Kingi and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir who is also Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s close friend.

The tight race has made Joho declare that he has no preferred successor, and letting the best man take the day.

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