Mombasa Jubilee aspirants accuse Shahbal of unfairness

Jubilee Party aspirants for various seats in Mombasa have accused businessman Suleiman Shahbal, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat, of dividing supporters by allocating resources selectively.

Mr Shahbal was declared the Jubilee candidate in the August elections by Deputy President William Ruto last week.

This followed several meetings between President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Ruto and other top Jubilee Party officials.

There were deep divisions within the party, with two rival camps emerging, one led by Mr Shahbal and the other by Ananiah Mwaboza.

Following the deputy president's intervention, Mr Mwaboza will be Mr Shahbal’s running mate.

“We have seen that resources go to selected people while the masses are left out. Aspirants also tend to be favoured by the Jubilee office in Mombasa,” claimed Amina Abdalla, a candidate for the woman rep seat.

PARTY AFFAIRS

Aspirants also claimed that they are not being involved fully in the party’s affairs, saying a small group is managing its affairs.

Mr Shahbal did not answer calls from the Nation seeking comment, but one of his public relations officials, who declined to be named, dismissed the allegations as untrue.

“So far, there has not been any facilitation for anybody. In any case, this cannot be done before the nominations. After the nominations and establishing our candidates, then Mr Shahbal will facilitate them,” said the source.

The official added, “If anyone has decided to vie for any political position, he or she should have prepared well before plunging into the game.

“You don’t decide to stand when you lack resources and depend on somebody else to facilitate you.”