Kenyan woman Lilian Seenoi Barr has been elected as the first black mayor of Derry City in Northern Ireland.
Celebrating the news on his platforms on Monday, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina congratulated Seenoi for clinching the seat and making history.
“Please join me in congratulating my baby sister Councillor Lilian Seenoi for being elected as the first black – Maasai Mayor of the City of Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,” Ole Kina stated.
Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who was elected to Derry City and Strabane Council last year by the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), was selected to serve as the council’s next Mayor.
However, based on details of the selection process revealed by the BBC, Seenoi-Barr’s selection to head the city was contentious.
According to UK media outlets, some councillors opposed the selection, prompting the resignation of one councillor from the party. However, Seenoi defended her selection, stating that the process was open, free, and fair.
“I put my name forward, there was an open process and I was selected after a very robust interview that all three candidates went through,” she said.
Seenoi migrated to the UK, having been a gender and women’s rights activist who led the Maasai Community against female genital mutilation and forced marriages.
After migrating to the UK, she became an active participant in city politics, serving on the City’s council since 2021.
“Having initially come to Derry as a refugee facing an uncertain future, I can now truly say that my family have found their home. I am proud to be a Maasai woman and a Derry girl,” stated Seenoi.
Additionally, she celebrated her win, stating that she was willing to serve all the residents regardless of their backgrounds.
