Mombasa governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal during a past media briefing. [Photo: Suleiman Shahbal/ facebook.com]
Jubilee Mombasa Governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has distanced himself from allegations by a section of members that he favoured some of the aspirants during the nominations.It is alleged that Shahbal had asked Abdisalam Kassim to shelf his senatorial bid to pave way for Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana, who defected from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) citing frustrations.Shahbal, however, rubbished the claims, arguing that he receives commands from the party's headquarters.He cited a case in which his close friend was defeated in the primaries, saying he did not interfere because he respects the voice of the people.“I watched my close friends lose in the Jubilee Party primaries in Mombasa and I could do nothing about it. And I will do nothing about it,” said Shahbal, as quoted by The Star.Kassim also alleged that Jubilee had promised him a job if he agrees to drop his senatorial bid.He further accused Shahbal and his team of attempting to impose leaders on the people, adding that the governor hopeful has been using his power to deny aspirants victory.He said he had floored Katana during the nominations only for him to be denied the nomination ticket.“I got over 10,000 votes, and beat Katana who had around 9,000 votes. There was a difference of 891 votes. There has been no appeal. I haven’t been called to shed light on the matter. So I wonder why they want to use their power to ensure I am denied the ticket,” said Kassim.Ashraf Bayusuf who is eying the Nyali Parliamentary seat also claimed that Shahbal short changed him and instead gave the party ticket to Yassin Noor.Shahbal however has insisted that he did not interfere in the nomination. “I was not involved in the running of the elections in any way. All aspirants were mine, but I had no preferred candidates at all,” he said.