As Kenya approaches its General Election on August 9, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala remains tight-lipped about his next move, leaving many to speculate about his future.
With over two decades of experience in politics, Najib's influence extends far beyond his role as CS. His family's reputation and global networks have made him a valuable player in Kenya's political scene and a liaison with other powerful governments.
The Balala family, with origins in Yemen, has spread across two continents and has connections in at least four countries. In Kenya, Najib's younger brother, Taufiq Balala, serves as a County Executive Committee member for Transport, infrastructure and public works in Mombasa county government.
Taufiq has been vocal on issues related to the transport sector, advocating for new routes to reduce congestion and eradicate traffic jams. However, it's his uncle, Sheikh Salim Balala, who played a critical role in Kenya's early years of independence.
Sheikh Salim rallied the Yemeni Arabs to support Kanu, opposing the call for the Coast region to be left as an autonomous region known as Mwambao. His efforts paid off, and he served as an MP and Assistant Minister for Finance and Planning from 1966 to 1974.
"I'm proud to be a Kenyan but I'm also very proud to be Yemeni," Sheikh Salim stated during a meeting with Yemen Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed's visit to Nairobi in 2019. "My own brother was born in Yemen but became a minister in this government in the 1960s. Today, I'm a minister in the same government and we are part of this society," he added.
Another relative, Ahmed Abdullahi Balala, is a Member of Parliament for the Malakpet constituency in India, where he has amassed over 13 years of experience. Ahmed's re-election saw Najib laud him for the amazing feat.
"Congratulations Hon. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala for your re-election as Member of the Telangana Legislative Assembly Malakpet Constituency, India. A victory well deserved; you continue to make the Balala clan from all over the world proud," Najib tweeted.
Firebrand Mombasa Islamic preacher Sheikh Khalid Balala, also a relative of Najib, entered Kenya's history books as the first Kenyan to have his citizenship cancelled and deported to Yemen. On the other hand, Najib's relative, Ahmed Balala, is the executive director of a Tour and Travel Organisation in Saudi Arabia.
With such a powerful and influential family behind him, it's no surprise that Najib Balala remains a force to be reckoned with in Kenya's politics.
