Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina is over the moon after his sister was elected mayor in the United Kingdom.
In a statement on X, Ledama said Lilian Seenoi-Barr's election has made her the first black Maasai Mayor of the City of Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Senator Ledama wished Seenoi-Barr God’s blessing as she embarks on 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.
Seenoi-Barr, who is from Mau Narok in Nakuru County, was last year re-elected councillor to represent the Foyleside area of Derry and Strabane Council in Northern Ireland.
Originally from Kenya, she previously worked to promote gender rights issues for Maasai women, focusing on forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Seenoi-Barr has been a councillor for Londonderry's Foyleside ward since 2021 when she was 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.
Having initially come to Derry as a refugee facing an uncertain future, she says her family has now found a home adding that she is proud to be a Maasai woman and 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 exuded confidence that Seenoi-Barr would represent the party well in the role.
Eastwood stated that since Lilian moved to Derry from Kenya, she has played a key role in transforming the society through a range of positive initiatives including helping others from migrant backgrounds adjust to life in their new home
“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 added that Lilian has been a source of constant enthusiasm, energy and positivity and is a valued addition to the SDLP family.
Lilian stated that she will use her position to shine a spotlight on the issues impacting families.
