Suleiman Shahbal, candidate for Mombasa governor, disclosed insights from a private meeting with Raila Odinga prior to his withdrawal from the 2022 election. The conversation, held at former governor Hassan Joho's residence, reportedly centered on political strategy and local governance challenges. Shahbal emphasized the impact of economic instability on local businesses, noting that nearly half of the businesses in Mombasa were either struggling or had shut down. Larger firms, he said, were also facing significant pressures. The meeting, which took place before the official withdrawal, highlighted internal party dynamics and the broader economic concerns affecting the region. Shahbal's comments underscore the complex interplay between political decisions and economic realities in Mombasa.