Four years later, the scars of the 2022 deal-making are laid bare as Suleiman Shabhal reveals the high-level coercion that killed his gubernatorial dream.

Suleiman Shabhal has finally pulled the curtain back on the smoke-filled room where his political ambitions were sacrificed. In a candid revelation, the businessman-turned-politician detailed how former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga cornered him into abandoning his Mombasa gubernatorial bid in favor of Abdulswamad Nassir. It was not a request; it was an order.

The disclosure offers a rare, raw glimpse into the ruthless machinery of coalition politics. Shabhal, who had a clear vision for Mombasa as an economic engine, describes the "mental turmoil" of being forced to step down for the sake of "party unity." The promised Cabinet slot—the carrot dangled to sweeten the bitter pill—never materialized, leaving him with nothing but a lesson in betrayal.

The Boardroom Coup

Shabhal's narrative paints a picture of a city divided and a coalition desperate to avoid a split vote. "I was under a lot of pressure not to run as an independent," he admitted. The fear in the Azimio camp was that a Shabhal vs. Nassir war would hand the county to the UDA candidate, Hassan Omar. So, the principals intervened.

This wasn't democracy; it was selection. Raila and Uhuru, acting as the supreme arbiters, decided that Nassir was the safer bet. Shabhal’s competence was secondary to the political arithmetic. "Sometimes people are not chosen based on competence," Shabhal lamented, a stinging critique of the very leaders he loyally served.

• The Deal: Shabhal stepped down to prevent an ODM split that would benefit UDA.
• The Price: He was promised a national role/Cabinet position that never came to fruition.
• The Legacy: The decision secured the seat for ODM but left a legacy of disillusionment among Shabhal's supporters.

A Vision Deferred

Shabhal insists his run was never about the title "Excellency" but about transforming Mombasa. His exit speech in 2022 was gracious, but his current reflections reveal the deep frustration of a man who believes he could have done more. He speaks of Mombasa’s potential to drive the national economy—a potential he feels remains untapped under the current compromise leadership.

As the 2027 cycle approaches, Shabhal’s revelation serves as a warning shot. The "negotiated democracy" that forced him out has left deep fissures. He may have shelved his bid, but he clearly hasn't shelved his ambition—or his resentment.