UDA boss Omar now backs Shahbal in fight against Mombasa zoning

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar has thrown his weight behind businessman Suleiman Shahbal's decision to challenge Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, rejecting political deals or zoning arrangements that would require aspirants to step aside and give the incumbent a clear run at a second term.

Mr Omar said the choice of who should govern Mombasa must be left to voters, putting him on the same side as Mr Shahbal in opposing efforts to determine the county's next governor through negotiations among political leaders.