More often than not, leaders with ambitions of succeeding their bosses have always been advised to follow the 48 Laws of Power as documented by Robert Greene.
In particular, the American author advises politicians never to outshine their masters if they have the intention of ascending to power.
This seems to be the advice Kwale governor-elect, Fatuma Achani, heeded following her endorsement by the outgoing governor, Salim Mvurya, and her successive elevation to the county's top job.
Achani served as Mvurya's deputy for two terms. In 2013 they were elected on an ODM ticket. Mvurya's fallout with former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, prior to the 2017 polls saw Achani stick to her boss and together they vied on a Jubilee Party ticket.
Her loyalty saw her join Mvurya in Deputy President William Ruto's camp - the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) - following the protracted battles in the Jubilee administration.
She was endorsed by the party's top brass and vied on a UDA party ticket. She garnered 59,674 votes, beating ODM's Hamadi Boga who got 53,972 votes.
Upon her declaration as governor-elect, Achani made history to become the first female governor in the coastal region.
Her win was credited to her ability to mobilise votes and her remarkable work in the county government, having served as the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Roads and Physical Planning.
In her victory speech, she thanked the outgoing governor for supporting her political career.
"I want to thank 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 stated.
Apart from her political career, Achani is an advocate of the High Court and holds a law degree from Moi University.
She has worked for various law firms and human rights organisations including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya.
"She is a human rights advocate and devotes considerable time and energy to support the Girl Child education. She fights against early marriages and gender-based violence and is also a member of various community groups working towards empowering women in leadership.
"She is a member of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya and a member of the Law Society of Kenya," read her bio in Kwale county government website.
