President Uhuru Kenyatta has been criticized for allegedly ignoring and locking out former Mombasa gubernatorial candidate Suleiman Shahbal from his cabinet.
Shahbal, the Mombasa-based businessman turned politician, widely campaigned for Uhuru's second-term bid before August 8, 2017 general elections and October 26, fresh presidential election across Mombasa and the entire Coast region.
He unsuccessfully vied against Ali Hassan Joho, including in 2013.A section of supporters of Shahbal in Mombasa, led by Jubilee activist Mohammed Subow, said Uhuru ought to have rewarded Shahbal after he failed to clinch the county's top seat.
President Kenyatta had pledged to reward most of the governor candidates who would not make it.
Shahbal and former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar were two Jubilee politicians in coast who were not given any government posts by Kenyatta during unveiling of his new cabinet.
According to Subow, Uhuru betrayed Shahbal and his followers and should therefore ensure the businessman gets a parastastal job.
Recently, Shahbal backed a meeting between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying it was time for the country's unity.