This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
Mombasa businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has made a significant move in his political career, resigning from the Jubilee Party. The move comes as he expresses interest in running for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
According to a resignation letter dated 6th July, 2020, Shahbal cited his desire to join the ODM party as the reason for his departure from Jubilee. He expressed gratitude to the Jubilee Party leadership for their support during his membership.
Shahbal, who was an ODM member before joining Jubilee in 2013, will now face off against Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir for the ODM ticket. In June this year, Shahbal announced his interest in running for Mombasa governor on an ODM ticket.
Shahbal has also expressed his support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, stating that 'Baba' had suffered enough for the country and it was time to give him a chance to lead.
Shahbal's resignation letter, as per the Political Parties Act of 2011, reads: 'In exercise of my constitution and legal rights to belong to a political party of my choice by the law through section 14 of the Political Parties Acts, 2011, I wish to resign as a member of Jubilee Party.'
