Preparations to swear in Kwale County’s first female Governor, Fatuma Achani, on Thursday have been finalized.
The Governor-Elect who is also the County’s outgoing Deputy Governor, will take the Oath of Office as the County’s Second Governor, at the newly constructed Kwale County Stadium.
The Governor-Elect has been serving as Deputy Governor since 2013 to date under Governor Salim Mvurya, who is retiring after serving two-terms as allowed under the Constitution.
Achani of UDA party garnered 59,674 votes in the governorship contest against her closest competitor, Prof. Hamadi Boga’s (ODM) 53,972, while Chai Lung’anzi (PAA party) got 47,301 votes.
Achani will take her Oath of Office alongside her Deputy, Josephat Kombo.
She said she will take Kwale to the next level of development and thanked her boss of ten years for believing and standing with her, during the electioneering period.
Achani said she is now more than determined to confront the patriarchal power structures in the society that view women entry into politics, with a lot of hostility and make strides in politics and leadership.
This, however, comes amid a looming petition being filed by her closest competitor, Prof. Boga, citing election malpractices.
Ms. Sylvia Chidodo the acting County Secretary, said all is set for the historic occasion and asked residents to attend the event in large numbers. She said the brief ceremony will start at 9 am.
Ms. Chidodo who is also the County Executive for Public Service and Administration, said Justice Olga Sewe will administer Achani’s swearing-in, while Magistrate Joseph Mutuku will administer the same oath for Kombo who is the outgoing MCA for Samburu/Chengoni Ward.
Achani said she has no time to waste and promised to hit the ground running immediately after the swearing in ceremony, vowing to deliver quality services to the residents.
She thanked stakeholders, her supporters, the security agencies and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for their roles in the August 9, 2022 General Elections.
On his part the outgoing Governor said he is privileged and ready to hand over the baton of leadership, to his loyal Deputy of ten years.
By Hussein Abdullahi