Suleiman Shahbal has quit ODM and will run for Mombasa Governor on an independent ticket in 2027.

This comes a day after his meeting with President William Samoei Ruto at the State House.

The President had urged him to stay in business and focus on investments instead of elective politics.

Shahbal has defied the advice, saying he was lured out of the race and political gatekeepers are using zoning to lock him out.

He says he does not need a Cabinet Secretary position or money, and is seeking to help the people of Mombasa out of challenges imposed upon them by people who don't care about them.

To secure his spot, he has concluded gathering 10,000 voter signatures and will submit them to the IEBC to clear his bid as an Independent Candidate.