Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal has announced his intention to run for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in Kenya's 2027 General Election, defying President William Ruto's advice that he withdraw from politics. In a video shared on September 10, Shahbal said he would not back down from the contest and would press ahead with his bid, according to The Kenya Times.

Kenyan President William Ruto has urged businessman Suleiman Shahbal to withdraw from the Mombasa governor race and instead focus on investment, according to Eastleigh Voice. Ruto said he personally advised Shahbal against seeking the county's top seat, arguing that his business experience could contribute more through investment, industrialisation and job creation. The intervention signals the president's preference for Shahbal's economic role over an electoral bid in the coastal county ahead of upcoming gubernatorial contests.

Kenyan President William Ruto has publicly urged businessman Suleiman Shahbal to abandon his bid for the Mombasa governorship, saying the entrepreneur could serve the country better by creating jobs and investing in business rather than entering elective politics. Speaking at State House Nairobi, Ruto said he had personally advised Shahbal against running, describing him as a major entrepreneur, according to Taifa Leo.

Zamzam, the Mombasa Woman Representative, has stated that she will not be intimidated by internal party politics as the ODM succession battles intensify in anticipation of the 2027 General Election, according to Eastleigh Voice.

A new opinion poll by Bobea Report places Kenyan President William Ruto ahead of his main challengers in the 2027 presidential race, while showing tight contests in several Nairobi gubernatorial and parliamentary races, according to Ghafla Kenya. The inaugural people-centred poll assessed presidential, gubernatorial and parliamentary contests ahead of the 2027 General Election, offering an early look at the country's emerging political landscape.

President William Ruto criticized the United Opposition, labeling them as weak and unprepared for the upcoming 2027 General Election. Speaking at a coffee revival launch in Kianyaga, Kirinyaga County, on June 22, 2026, he expressed confidence in securing an early victory and challenged opposition leaders on their campaign capabilities. Ruto's remarks were met with enthusiasm from parts of the audience.