SHAHBAL WARNS RUTO OVER ODM ALLIANCE, CLAIMS PARTY FIGURES ARE PUSHING HIM OUT
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NAIROBI, Kenya — September 28,
2026 — Former Mombasa politician Suleiman Shahbal has cautioned President William Ruto to exercise caution in his political dealings with members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amid growing tensions within the broader political alliance.
Shahbal alleged that some ODM figures have previously pushed out prominent politicians, including Senate Deputy Minority Leader Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and claimed that he could now be facing a similar fate.
“President Ruto, be very careful with these ODM people. They will infect your party with disease. They chased Sifuna and Babu Owino away, now they want to chase me away too,” Shahbal said.
His remarks have added a fresh layer to the ongoing political debate surrounding alliances, party membership and the future political positioning of leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Shahbal’s comments come as political realignments continue to shape Kenya’s political landscape, with leaders across different parties and coalitions positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The remarks are Shahbal’s own political assessment and were not independently verified as evidence that ODM figures are seeking to remove him from any particular political position.
