Cabinet Secretary for Commerce and Tourism Najib Balala has hinted that he would not vie for any elective post in 2017 general election.
Balala, on Monday, August 1, categorically stated that he would not challenge Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.
“I am serving the nation as the cabinet secretary. I’m contented with the current service I’m offering my country thus I will not be offering myself for the governor post,” said Balala as quoted by a local daily.
The tourism minister thanked his enthusiasts for trusting in him that he could make a better manager than Joho
“I’m humbled by the phone calls and texts I’ve received from Jubilee supporters in Mombasa urging me to contest. Many talk of my track record when I served as Mombasa mayor before later becoming MP for Mvita constituency,” Balala said.
Balala, who is also former Mvita legislator said that his party, the Republican Congress Party, would close shop and its members join the yet to be unveiled Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP).
Balala, a key component of the Jubilee coalition, was beaten in 2013 Mombasa senatorial race by Wiper party’s Hassan Omar Hassan.
Balala’s entry into the gubernatorial race had caused anxieties among JAP politicians who were eyeing the ticket. The anxiety was caused by rumors that Najib Balala would be given a direct ticket.
Powerful Mombasa business mogul and Jubilee gubernatorial aspirant, Suleiman Shahbal said anyone who desired the coalition’s party ticket should face it off with other candidates at the ballot box.
“If Balala and any other person want to challenge me, they are welcome. I am ready for anybody,” the businessman said.
Shahbal ditched Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and decamped to Wiper party after losing in the ODM nominations for 2013 gubernatorial election to Joho.
He challenged Joho on a Wiper ticket but also lost. After losing the election, the business mogul filed an election appeal against Joho but the court dismissed it. He then joined Jubilee.