Kwale Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani during a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Fatuma Mohamed Achani has proved to be a formidable political force not only in Kwale County where she serves as deputy governor, but in the entire Coast region.Born in the remote village of Ingwede, in Msambweni Constituency, Achani's journey to political stardom has not been an easy ride. She overcame many obstacles especially in a society where women shy away from politics.Driven by a hunger to succeed and protect the girl child, Achani joined Moi University where she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) before enrolling for a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law.The 37-year-old has spent the better part of her life advocating for the rights of the girl child, a role she performed exceptionally well when she worked for Federation of Kenyan Lawyers (FIDA) where she served as a Counsel.She officially announced her entrance into Kenya's murky politics when she teamed up with Salim Mvurya in the run to the 2013 elections and the pair went on to win the governor seat. Since then, she has never looked back.A staunch defender of her boss whose tenure as the county boss has faced obstacles, Achani has endeared herself to the locals who see her as a role model to their girls.After ditching Raila Odinga’s ODM party, the two never parted ways and would later overcome the ODM wave in the county to win a second term in office by a landslide.With the focus now shifting to 2022 elections, Achani is the person to beat in that contest.