Former Mombasa Gubernatorial Aspirant Suleiman Shabal has revealed his encounter with the late President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
In a long post on his official Facebook page, Suleiman, who was President Uhuru Kenyatta’s point in the 2017 general election, recounted his meeting with Mugabe. He noted that he met Mugabe in 1996 and questioned him over several things about the country.
Mugabe told Suleiman that his government had done its best amid criticisms from his rivals. He also reminded him how Nairobi used to look like before the population increased. The politician also said that Mugabe told him not to follow what others say about him when there are records to show his performance, adding that he had transformed the lives of millions of Zimbabweans since he took over power.
“I told him Harare reminded me of Nairobi of the early 1980s when the city was still green and less congested. He asked me what I thought of the land reforms that he was implementing. Zimbabwe was already turning chaotic and the economy was already heading towards the precipice. "Your Excellency, I think it’s the right thing to do, but it could have been done better," I answered. I referred to our own experience with land reforms in Kenya," read part of his post.
He also recalled how he used to call him young man whenever he was addressing him. In his final call, Suleiman asked the world to remember the good deeds of Mugabe during his tenure in office.
Mugabe led the nation of Zimbabwe for more than three decades before he was removed from power through a coup in 2017.
Leaders from various parts of the World have sent the family messages of condolence following his demise. President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are among those who have mourned Mugabe.