Mombasa governor aspirants Hassan Omar (Wiper) and Suleiman Shahbal (Jubilee) during the governor’s debate at Pride Inn. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar’s attempts to woo businessman Suleiman Shahbal to join his camp has hit a dead end after the Jubilee point man declined the offer.
Speaking at Pride Inn during the Mombasa governor debate organised by the Kenya Alliance of Residents Association, Omar asked Shahbal to shelve his gubernatorial bid and serve as an executive committee member if he (Omar) clinches the seat.Omar argued that transforming the county is a collective responsibility, adding that he needs business minded persons like Shahbal to grow the economy of the county.Shahbal rejected the offer, saying if Omar won, he would prefer being his private financial adviser.“I appreciate that he has offered me a job. I respectfully decline because I don’t want a full-time job,” said Shahbal.“What I’d want from you, my brother, in the remote and unlikely possibility that you win, is that you make me your private economic and financial adviser. I’ll do it with a clean heart. I’ll offer 100 per cent support and work with you,” he added, as quoted by The Star.Shahbal, however, said he is the best candidate for the job, adding that Mombasa will suffer economically if Joho retains his sea.Joho and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti snubbed the debate.