A political confrontation in Mombasa has escalated after businessman and gubernatorial hopeful Suleiman Shahbal accused Governor Hassan Joho of flouting traffic regulations while attempting to bypass a police roadblock on a boda boda.
The incident occurred on Monday as Joho was reportedly heading to the launch of the Mtongwe Ferry project presided over by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. According to Joho, security officers blocked his motorcade, forcing him to seek alternative transport to reach the event.
Joho Turns to Boda Boda After Roadblock
Governor Hassan Joho told journalists that officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Flying Squad prevented his convoy from proceeding to the event venue.
Faced with a massive traffic jam and restricted access roads, Joho opted to ride on a boda boda motorcycle in an effort to reach the ferry launch.
The governor claimed that the officers informed him they were acting under instructions from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The dramatic images of Joho riding on a motorcycle quickly spread across social media and became a major political talking point across Kenya.
Shahbal Accuses Joho of Breaking Traffic Laws
Suleiman Shahbal, one of Joho’s most vocal political rivals, criticized the governor’s actions, arguing that he violated basic traffic safety regulations.
According to Shahbal, Joho was seen riding the motorcycle without a helmet or reflective safety jacket.
Shahbal questioned why the governor would ignore the same traffic laws that ordinary Kenyans are expected to obey.
He further argued that public officials should lead by example, particularly on matters involving road safety and compliance with the law.
Debate Over Mombasa Traffic Congestion
The political dispute expanded beyond the boda boda incident when Shahbal initially blamed Mombasa County Government for the heavy traffic congestion.
He alleged that county traffic marshals had been withdrawn from key roads, contributing to the chaos witnessed around Nyali Bridge.
However, Shahbal later revised his position and instead blamed what he described as broader mismanagement by the county administration.
The traffic gridlock became a symbol of the growing political rivalry between leaders competing for influence in Kenya’s coastal region.
Calls for Legal Action
Ananiah Mwaboza, Shahbal’s running mate, took an even stronger position, suggesting that Joho should face legal consequences if found to have violated traffic regulations.
“He is not above the law,” Mwaboza stated while emphasizing that all citizens should be treated equally regardless of their political status.
The comments fueled further debate among supporters and critics of the governor.
Jubilee Leaders Join the Criticism
Several Jubilee Party leaders in Mombasa also condemned Joho’s conduct, accusing him of creating unnecessary drama and disrespecting the President.
Mombasa Jubilee Chairman Matano Chengo argued that leaders should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their office.
He maintained that respect is earned through responsible leadership and proper conduct.
The criticism reflected the broader political tensions that had developed between Joho, who was aligned with the opposition, and the Jubilee administration led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Uhuru and Joho Political Rivalry Intensifies
The Mtongwe Ferry launch became another chapter in the long-running political battle between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Governor Hassan Joho.
During the event, President Kenyatta publicly challenged Joho’s leadership record and questioned his development achievements in Mombasa County.
The disagreements extended beyond the ferry project and touched on larger issues including regional development, the future of the Coast region, and plans surrounding the Standard Gauge Railway and dry port operations.
Political analysts viewed the exchange as part of a wider struggle for political influence in the strategically important coastal region.
What the Incident Means for Coastal Politics
The boda boda controversy may appear minor, but it underscores the intense political competition that has characterized Mombasa politics for years.
As leaders continue to trade accusations over governance, development, and leadership style, residents remain focused on key concerns such as infrastructure, job creation, business growth, and improved public services.
The incident also highlights how symbolic moments can quickly become major political flashpoints in Kenya’s highly charged political environment.
Conclusion
The clash between Hassan Joho and Suleiman Shahbal demonstrates the deep political divisions that continue to shape Mombasa’s leadership landscape. What started as a traffic-related incident evolved into a broader debate about leadership, accountability, and political rivalry. As political temperatures continue to rise, many residents will be hoping that leaders focus less on confrontation and more on delivering meaningful development and opportunities for the people of Mombasa.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a politician actually publically say he (and/or his followers) would ‘flog’ someone since the time of Pontius Pilate who sent Jesus for a flogging before allowing him to be crucified. I mean this is a very bad business indeed for a leader to bring such brutal words to a political meeting. Also, it makes me a little ‘gag’ nauseous if I have to hear another Kenyan man say ‘If you act like a ____ we will treat you like a _____.” All Kenyan women know what goes in the blanks (because it was even said in Parliament by a grown male MP who likenened himself to another Biblical character–Solomon who had more than 500 wives. Unforunately, the President likened himself to the wife of the Governor, that is if the Governor has only one wife. Of course, the President made sure men in Kenya could have a limitless number of wives when he signed the unlimited wife Marriage Act of 2014, so it would be very hard indeed to follow all of them around, given that some of them are even ‘secret’ wives. But if you opt for more than one, and the others feel a little lonely then don’t expect perfection, since obviously the men are nowhere near perfect and don’t even care. Perhaps the women should take on more than one husband since husbands take on more than one wife–I mean there is no law preventing this is there? But then again, why should women behave as badly as aome of the men do and give in to their nonsense? Well, I am very sorry for all the nonsense that goes on in Kenya’s mano-a-mano political showdowns because if this is how politicians behave and speak then what hope do Wananchi have?
Customarily, it is the boda boda driver’s duty to carry an extra helmet and vest for passengers, isn’t it? Well I guess some boda customers don’t like to get their hair messed up and refuse; although for Hassan, it’s not a problem since helmets don’t interfere with beards. But it is a ‘cool’ photo of the Gov. Boda thee well, Hon.(Sir) Governor Joho. Perhaps more govs should be out among the people. On another note, saw a ‘cool’ movie called ‘Captain Phillips’, a.k.a. ‘Irish’ (portrayed by Tom Hanks) whose cargo ship and crew eventually made it to Mombasa after an encounter with Somali pirates that did’nt end too well for the pirates. I hope they get that dry port built at the Port (sans corruption)…I mean it takes months to get things out of that place and sometimes they never get out because of the roadblocks out of the Port and then the antiquated weigh and pay center after they finally do leave the port. I mean, after that Captain and his crew on the Maersk Alabama braved Somali pirates getting around the Horn of Africa and finally got to Mombasa with their cargo, it would have been a worse crime to hold the contents hostage from leaving the Port as normally happens. You got to pay if you want to play as they say. Welcome to Mombasa!