Kwale’s Fatuma Achani makes history as she is sworn in first female Coast Governor

Newly-elected Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani triumphed over a male-dominated race to clinch the county’s top job, etching her name in the history of Coastal women in politics.

The fiery battle saw the likes of Hamadi Boga (ODM), Eng. Lung'anzi Chai (PAA) and former Ambassador Chirau Mwakwere (Wiper) among others concede defeat to Achani to become the first female Governor of Kwale County.

Contrary to the rocky relationship between other deputy governors and their bosses, Achani is said to have been loyal to her county chief, outgoing Governor Salim Mvurya, throughout their two-term reign during which she served as his deputy.

She thereby won her immediate predecessor’s endorsement and was awarded a direct ticket by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to ascend to the top seat.

Achani was on Thursday sworn into office as just one of 7 women out of the 45 Governors-elect who took oath of office and assumed the leadership mantle.

In a double win of sorts, Achani’s inauguration ceremony held at the Kwale Stadium was also presided over by a female judge; Lady Justice Olga A. Sewe.

She promised to implement all the pending projects of her former boss, outgoing Governor Mvurya, who was present at the ceremony and handed over the instruments of power to her.

American author Robert Greene, in ‘48 Laws of Power’, advises politicians never to outshine their masters if they have the intention of ascending to power; and, seemingly, Achani understood the assignment well.

Only two deputy governors were able to succeed their bosses in the August 9th polls; Fatuma Achani and Wesley Rotich, who served under outgoing Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos from 2013 to 2022.

Achani is an advocate of the High Court and holds a Law degree from Moi University. She has worked for various law firms and human rights organisations including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya.