On Tuesday, just a week after his latest meeting with Mr Odinga, Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal came out to officially declare his interest in succeeding Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in 2022.

Asked about his meetings with Mr Odinga, Mr Shahbal, the chairman of Ken Trade, said: "I'm in Jubilee, but because of the Handshake, we have become friends, so when I go to see the former PM, we discuss issues of national importance and current problems, because it is an opportunity to share ideas,"

Mr Shahbal, who lost to Mr Joho twice in the governorship race, has been holding meetings with Mr Odinga both in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Before defecting from ODM to Jubilee, Mr Mung'aro was the MP for Kilifi North and a minority whip.

Speaking to the Nation by phone, Mr Munga'ro said he and Mr Shahbal had visited Mr Odinga to consult on development in the Coast region and emerging political issues.

They are MPs Owen Baya (Kilifi North), who comes from Mr Mung'aro's Dabaso village, Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), Michael Kingi (Magarini) and Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), and Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi.