The Kwale County Deputy Governor (DG), Fatuma Achani has raised an alarm that her life was in danger following a series of insecurity acts that have confronted her while in the line of duty.
Early March this year, the DG had also claimed that her life was at risk following accusations by Kinango MP, Benjamin Tayari that she had stolen Sh.2 billion meant for the proposed Mwache multipurpose dam.
Ms. Achani said she has raised the number of her bodyguards whenever she goes for fear of being attacked by goons alleged to have been mobilized by some Members of County Assembly (MCAs) opposed to her leadership style.
“There are people with bad motive who are after me. Last incident I remember when I went to Mwamivi launching a dispensary project, a Nissan full of thugs came in wanting to harm me and the master mind of the whole thing is an area MCA. That is why I have to walk with many bodyguards,” said Achani.
She said the latest incident was when County Education Executive, Mangale Chiforomodo was attacked in the morning in his office by a section of MCAs threatening to wrestle him down simply because he is her close ally.
“If people can attempt to knock on someone’s office and intimidate a whole CEC for championing county projects points to the daring nature of those opposed to the county administration,” she said.
The DG condemned the attack on the county education minister, terming it an ugly and unfortunate incident.
Achani said all the threats made against her were meant to intimidate her and scare local women from venturing into leadership positions.
The two term DG serving under Governor Salim Mvurya said she was planning to contest for the gubernatorial seat in 2022.
The DG described herself as a model for women in leadership, saying she has set the bar for women to take up leadership positions not just in Kwale, but in the country.
She however, called upon residents to remain vigilant and observe peace and security.
“Let’s be our brother’s keeper, work together and coexist harmoniously for the sake of progress,” she said.
Ms. Achani was speaking while launching eco-friendly ‘Jiko Okoa’ initiative, issuance of certificates and giving out cultural attires to various traditional dancing groups in Kinondo ward in Msambweni Sub County on Thursday.
By Shaban Omar/Hussein Abdullahi
