Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina expressed immense joy after his sister was elected as the mayor in the United Kingdom.

In a statement released on X, Ledama announced that Lilian Seenoi-Barr's election has made her the first black Maasai Mayor of the City of Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Senator Ledama extended his heartfelt wishes for God's blessings upon Seenoi-Barr as she commences her new role.

“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. May the good Lord open many doors for you as you lead your people of Derry, UK,” Ledama tweeted.


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Seenoi-Barr, hailing from Mau Narok in Nakuru County, was re-elected last year as a councillor to represent the Foyleside area of Derry and Strabane Council in Northern Ireland.

Originally from Kenya, she has a background in advocating for gender rights, particularly for Maasai women. Her previous work focused on combating issues such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Since 2021, Seenoi-Barr has served as a councillor for Londonderry's Foyleside ward after being co-opted by the SDLP.

"The people of this city have taken me into their hearts and everywhere I go I never fail to be amazed at the warmth, kindness and generosity of the people who live here," Seenoi-Barr said as quoted by Belfastlive.

Arriving in Derry initially as a refugee with an uncertain future, she reflects on how her family has now found a home. She expresses pride in her identity as a Maasai woman and embraces her affiliation as a Derry girl.

“I’m looking forward to working with my party, my SDLP council colleagues and everyone on the council in my upcoming year as Mayor. I’m incredibly excited to get started and to get out meeting people and visiting the many fantastic organisations throughout our city," she said.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood expressed confidence that Seenoi-Barr would effectively represent the party in her new role.

Eastwood highlighted Seenoi-Barr's significant contributions to the Derry community since her relocation from Kenya. He noted her instrumental role in facilitating the adjustment of individuals from migrant backgrounds to life in their new home, among other positive initiatives aimed at societal transformation.

“We were delighted when Lilian joined the SDLP, sharing our vision of a peaceful and prosperous future for people in our city, region and island based on respect for difference and diversity,” he said.

Eastwood further emphasized that Lilian has consistently brought enthusiasm, energy, and positivity to the table, making her a cherished member of the SDLP family.

Lilian expressed her determination to leverage her position to raise awareness about the issues affecting families.