Former Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal (L) and his running mate Anania Mwaboza during campaigns. [Photo: Suleiman Shahbal/ facebook.com]
Former Mombasa gubernatorial contender Suleiman Shahbal has faulted leaders agitating for the boycott of the October 26 repeat election.The opposition NASA is currently carrying out countrywide campaigns telling its supporters to stay away from polling stations on Thursday when the repeat poll will be held.Among counties where the opposition enjoys majority support is Mombasa where Shahbal comes from, but the businessman with interests in the real estate and banking industries says he will mobilise Mombasa residents to turn out to vote in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s support.“On October 26, my family and I shall lead Mombasa voters to exercise our democratic right to choose freely our leaders without coercion, threats and or intimidation,” said Shahbal.“Voting is not a gift or a privilege enjoyed at the whim of any individual or leader, but a constitutional right that our forefathers fought for. If anyone opposes this, then he is an enemy of our democracy and our aspirations,” he added.Shahbal made the remarks hours after NASA leader Raila Odinga attended a church service in Trans Nzoia County in Western region where he reiterated “there will be no election on October 26”.“There will be no election next week by the inept IEBC and no amount of threats from any quarter will subdue Kenyans into acceptance,” Raila said.“Our journey to Canaan is on course and there is no turning back. There will be no election on October 26th.”Shahbal is among President Uhuru’s point men in Mombasa. He played an instrumental role in securing the 99,190 votes the President received during the August election. Raila garnered 238,809.“I urge all Mombasa voters to turn out in large numbers and re-elect President Uhuru Kenyatta so that we can remain on the path of development,” he said.“I also call upon all Kenyans to pray for peace and stability of our great nation.”