Hassan Joho (L) and Shahbal shake hands in unity show when the two attended the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Mombasa recently. [Photo/facebook.com/ Suleiman Shahbal]
Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has said he has no problem working with his political opponents including Governor Hassan Joho.
Shahbal (Jubilee Party) said problems facing Mombasa cannot be solved in isolation. He said collective effort would ease and quicken the process of definition solutions to the challenges.
Shahbal, a prominent businessman is heavily investing in campaigns in his effort to oust Joho who he constantly accuses of running down Kenya’s second largest city.
“I challenged us to unite so that we can fix all problems facing Mombasa. Politics may divide us, but our problems will remain the same! Why? Regardless of our tribes or political affiliations, we all face the same problems in Mombasa,” he said as he campaigned in Maweni in Mkomani ward on Thursday.
“If the drainage system is not working, if fresh water does not flow in our taps, if the city is filthy because garbage is not managed properly we all get affected whether you are NASA or Jubilee! Therefore, let’s come together and face our problems together.”
Shahbal has for the last two months been crisscrossing Mombasa campaigning as he seeks to become Mombasa County’s second governor.Others in the race for the coveted seat include Senator Omar Hassan (Wiper) and Hezron Awiti (Vibrant Democratic Party).
Last week Shahbal claimed Mombasa had become so filthy under Joho’s leadership that tourists had begun shunning the Coastal city.
Tourism is Mombasa’s primary cash cow because of the presence of the Indian Ocean and upscale hotels and leisure lodges.
Shahbal said unless leaders unite and work towards realizing specific development goals, Mombasa will remain a shanty city with a sluggishly growing economy.