Narok Senator Ledama Olekina’s sister Lilian Seenoi Baar has been elected as the first black mayor of Derry City in Northern Ireland.
In a statement on Monday, April 29, Ledama celebrated her baby sister for making history in the North Ireland city.
The Narok Senator wished Seenoi Baar God’s blessing as she embarks on her new role.
“Please join me in congratulating my baby sister Councilor Lilian Seenoi Baar 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 stated.
Seenoi Baar was in May 2023 elected as the councilor for the Foyleside area of Derry and Strabane Council in Northern Ireland under the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
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She is a well-known Black Lives Matter activist and Maasai refugee activist who relocated to Northern Ireland in 2010.
While in Kenya, Seenoi advocated for the rights of Maasai women and girls by campaigning against female genital mutilation and early marriages.
“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,” Seenoi said after clinching the seat.
She will take over from Derry City and Strabane Council's current Mayor, Sinn Féin's Patricia Logue.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood expressed his confidence that Seenoi would represent the party well in her new position.
He noted that Seenoi has embedded herself in the center of life in Derry city, getting involved in a range of positive initiatives, notably helping others from migrant backgrounds adjust to life in their new home.
