-
Achani holds a law degree from Moi University and a diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
- She said she holds no grudges and promised to serve all Kwale people fairly regardless of whom they supported.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has opened up on her ordeals in the just concluded general election.
Although she beat five men in a male-dominated gubernatorial race to become the first female governor in the Coast region, Achani said she went through a stressful campaign period.
She said the insults and religious barriers were not the only challenges she went through, but she also faced numerous physical threats.
Kwale is a conservative region where women's leadership is not fully accepted.
The county chief said some of her friends and rights organisations meant to defend women turned against her in her hour of need because she is a woman.
Former Kwale governor Salim Mvurya, who has since been appointed Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, was instrumental in ensuring Achani wins the election.
Achani served as Mvurya’s deputy for 10 years since 2013.
"Behind my success, there is a dreadful and torturous moment I had to go through, but I thank God I was able to beat all the odds to become the first female governor," she said.
She was speaking during the 22nd anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women's Peace and Security at Msambweni police station in Kwale county.
Mvurya is the only governor from the Coast region who supported his deputy to succeed him.
“If it were not for the support of Mvurya and President William Ruto, I wouldn't have managed as a woman,” she said.
"I am grateful to Ruto and Mvurya for their love of empowering women and their leadership. This far I have come as a woman, I won't take it for granted.”
According to Achani, the political campaigns are over, but the pain inflicted on her during the campaigns is unforgettable, adding that she would not want any woman seeking any political position to face a similar predicament.
Since she was sworn into office, the governor has several times repeated the stories and ordeals she went through during the rough campaign period.
However, she said she holds no grudges and promised to serve all Kwale people fairly regardless of whom they supported.
"I am a governor for everyone now. I won't sideline anyone because they didn't vote for me,"Achani said during her swearing-in ceremony in Matuga.
She said she will improve service delivery for all Kwale people to spur equal development.
Achani was among the three coastal women who vied for the governor seats in the region.
Former Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, who is now the current Public Service and Gender CS, lost the Kilifi gubernatorial seat to Gideon Mungaro, while Umra Omar lost the Lamu county seat to Issa TImamy.
Achani was elected alongside her deputy Chirema Kombo through UDA.
Kombo is a former Samburu/Chengoni MCA and had served for 10 years.
In 2013 Mvurya and Achani were elected on an ODM ticket and re-elected on a Jubilee ticket in 2017.
In this year's August 9 polls, Achani garnered 59, 674 votes against ODM's Hamadi Boga 53, 972 followed by Pamoja African Alliance’s Chai Lung'anzi 47, 301.
Wiper's Chirau Mwakwere managed 9, 639 votes, whereas Sammy Ruwa, who vied as an independent candidate, had 5, 562 and Kanu's Gereza Dena 2, 310.
Achani was born in Kingwede Msambweni constituency and later attended Kingwede Primary and Mama Ngina Girls High School in Mombasa.
She holds a law degree from Moi University and a diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Achani at one time worked as an associate advocate in one of the law firms in Mombasa and also served as a legal counsel and programme officer for the Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida-Kenya).
She is married to Ali Kanga and they have two children: a boy and a girl.
During her inauguration, the county chief said she was thankful to have a supportive and loving husband, adding that she is determined to break more obstacles that impede women's leadership and development in Kwale.
(edited by Amol Awuor)