Kenyan Woman Elected as First Black Mayor of UK City
Lilian Seenoi Barr, a woman from Kenya, has been chosen as the first Black mayor of Derry City in Northern Ireland.
On Monday, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina expressed his congratulations to Seenoi for winning the seat and making history, sharing the news on his platforms.
“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.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr, a councilor who was elected to Derry City and Strabane Council last year as a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), has been chosen as the council’s upcoming Mayor.
The BBC disclosed information about the selection process, indicating that Seenoi-Barr’s appointment as head of the city was controversial.
UK media outlets report that a councilor resigned from the party due to opposition from some other councilors regarding the selection process.
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Nevertheless, Seenoi argued in favor of her choice, asserting that the selection process was transparent, unbiased, and equitable.
“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, who moved to the UK, was a gender and women’s rights advocate who led efforts within the Maasai community to combat female genital mutilation and forced marriages.
Since moving to the UK, she has taken an active role in city politics and has been serving on the City Council since 2021.
“Having initially come to Derry as a refugee facing an uncertain future, I can now truly say that my family has found their home. I am proud to be a Maasai woman and a Derry girl, “ stated Seenoi.
Since moving to the UK, she has taken an active role in city politics and has been serving on the City Council since 2021.
Kenyan Woman Elected as First Black Mayor of UK City