Lilian Seenoi-Barr: Kenyan woman elected councilor in UK

A  Kenyan lady has been elected a councillor in the United Kingdom.

Lilian Seenoi-Barr was elected as a councillor in Northern Ireland on Saturday. 

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina took to Twitter to congratulate her noting that she is the first black person to get the position. 

"Congratulations to my baby sister Lilian Seenoi. The first-ever black person to be elected as a councillor in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. May the Good Lord open many doors for you," Ledama said. 

Seenoi said she is deeply humbled to have been elected by the people of Foyleside.

She was reminiscent that when she joined Derry City and Strabane District Council just under two years ago, she had been chosen by SDLP members.

"At the time I made a commitment that I would work tirelessly to earn people's trust and deliver for the local area," she said. 

Seenoi was beyond delighted to have gained nearly 1,000 first preference votes and to now have an electoral mandate in her own right.

She said the people have spoken loud and clear.

"For the most part they are rewarding hard work," Seenoi said. 

Seenoi said it is clear to see the people's frustration at the continuing lack of a functioning Assembly.

She said they are also frustrated by the obstruction of a nationalist first minister. 

"I am proud to be part of the Derry SDLP team that puts people first. I look forward to continuing working hard for the people of Derry," she said.