Fatuma Achani becomes first woman governor in Coast with Kwale win

Kwale Governor elect Fatuma Achani.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani.

Photo credit: Siago Cece | Nation Media Group

Fatuma Achani of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has clinched the Kwale Gubernatorial seat with 59,674 votes, defeating ODM's Hamadi Boga who came in second with 53,972 in a closely fought race. Former Kenya Ports Authority engineer Chai Lung'anzi of Pamoja Africa Alliance (PAA) came in third with 47,301 votes. 

Ms Achani becomes the first female Governor in the coastal region and the second governor of Kwale County after Salim Mvurya who has been in office since 2013 .  

Ms Achani is the deputy county boss while Mr Boga is a former Agriculture Principal Secretary. 

In her victory speech, Ms Achani thanked God and outgoing governor Salim Mvurya for his mentorship.

"I want to thank Mr Mvurya for the support that he gave me. I also want to thank my husband. This was a rough journey but I am happy I made it through," she said.

Other races

The results were declared by Kwale County Returning Officer Obadiah Kariuki who also declared winners in the Senatorial and Woman Rep positions. Kwale Senator Issa Boi was declared winner of the seat after he garnered 52,772 votes to retain his seat. He was followed by Kasemeni MCA Anthony Yama (UDA) who got 41,672 and lawyer Salim Mwadumbo (ANC) who got 16,902.

Nominated MCA Fatuma Masito of ODM clinched the Woman Rep seat with 58,820 votes, followed by Bibi Masha of UDA with 44,472 and Independent candidate Zainab Chitsangi with 35,633.  

Data from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed that Kwale County has 328,316 registered voters. But turnout was low, attributed to malfunctioning Kiems kits and delays in opening polling stations.