Mombasa businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has endorsed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid.
Mr. Shahbal who spoke during a Coast consultative meeting at Wildwaters in Mombasa during a visit by the former Prime Minister said Mr. Odinga is the longest detainee in Kenya who suffered fighting for Kenyans.
Mr. Shahbal asked Mr. Joho to support Raila in 2022 and wait for his turn in 2027.
“We know as a leader you (Raila) have the interests of the Coast people at heart. We have to support Raila and because we believe in him, we want him to support your (Joho’s) bid in 2027,” said Mr. Shahbal.
He said Mr. Odinga should prioritize the implementation of the Coast region development agenda including ensuring that residents from each of the six Coast counties benefit from their resources.
“We need the people of Lamu to benefit from the port, the people of Kwale to enjoy the fruits of Shimoni port, Kwale and Taita Taveta get the benefits of the minerals and Tana River and Kilifi benefit from the Galana Kulalu, ” said Mr. Shahbal.
He said the Coastal people do not want to be crying about the historical injustices anymore.
“We need to look forward, we need to look 10 to 20 years ahead. We need sustainable plans for our region, “ he said.
Mr Odinga on his party said the region has a lot of resources that have to be used to benefit the local’s communities.
He said that he was in the Coast region to look for partnership.” I am here to look for partnership with the Coast people so that we can move together,” he said.
*This article was written by Ramadhan Kambi for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
